News Release

Town’s Office of Cultural Affairs Installs Gullah Cultural Preservation Murals

June 10, 2021

The Town of Hilton Head Island's Office of Cultural Affairs announces its next Community Creates initiative, mural panels outside the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island depicting Gullah cultural experiences. Produced in partnership with the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, the murals were created by African American artists to teach about the history of the Gullah community.

Artists Beverly Baynes, Tony Burns, and Amiri Farris licensed the images for reproduction in support of the initiative. Images of the little blue house, Cherry Hill school, and everyday life on the Island prior to the building of the bridge are represented. Core themes of the murals are family, community and ingenuity.

"Art is core to the Gullah experience so it makes sense that we would use it as a tool to tell our story," said Louise Miller Cohen, Executive Director for the Gullah Museum, "We are excited how these installations bring the property to life and look forward to further telling the story of our people in the future."

"The Gullah community plays a deeply important role in the identity of Hilton Head Island," said Jennifer McEwen, Director of Cultural Affairs for the Town, "It is an honor to get to work with the Gullah Museum on this project on behalf of the Office of Cultural Affairs and the Arts Council of Hilton Head."

The Office of Cultural Affairs seeks ideas from local visual artists, performing artists, musicians, lecturers, and art professionals at every stage of their careers for its Community Creates initiatives. Two to three initiatives will be chosen for execution each year. The goal is to use these projects to facilitate civic engagement through art. More information about the Community Creates proposal guidelines can be found at https://culturehhi.org/about/community-create-initiatives/

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The Town of Hilton Head Island's Office of Cultural Affairs works to promote and support Hilton Head Island as a vibrant cultural destination that enriches our diverse community. We strive for the island to be recognized as a vibrant & distinctive destination known for its unique arts & culture assets that serve a diverse community and create a richer quality of life.

The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island is to revive, restore and preserve the Hilton Head Island Gullah history for the benefit of all - lest we forget. Founded in 2013 by Executive Director, Louise Miller Cohen.