CoVIDA: Homage to Victims of the Pandemic

Focus

CoVIDA: Homage to Victims of the Pandemic is a living memorial and artistic tribute to the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. It honors the people who have passed away from the virus, acknowledges the resilience of our community, and recognizes the courage of essential workers still on the front lines. Names of individuals who have passed away from the virus are submitted by the community for inclusion in the memorial.

 History

CoVIDA: Homage to Victims of the Pandemic  was conceived by artist Andrea Arroyo in partnership with the Morris-Jumel Mansion. The goal of the project is to present an evolving artistic memorial, to provide a safe, physical space for reflection during the pandemic, to honor essential workers, as well as to facilitate communal grieving and to cultivate a sense of community. The project was facilitated by New York City Department Parks ‘Art in the Parks’ program and has generated positive responses from the local community, city residents, and has received international acclaim. 

 Collection

 Names of individuals who have passed away from the virus were collected on-site at the Mansion, at community events, and digitally. Names were written onto ribbons by the community and the artist to be incorporated into the piece. 

 Form of Collection

 A mural and memorial

 Emphasis

The memorial is located at the Morris-Jumel Mansion at Roger Morris Park in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Names have been submitted from the local community, several states, and other countries such as Mexico, Spain, Italy, and Turkey. 

 Time Period

 The memorial was unveiled on November 1st, 2020 to commemorate Día de Muertos and was on view for 12 weeks. 

 Public Access

 Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, NY, NY 10032

And www.morrisjumel.org/covida

 Director

 The project is a collaboration between artist Andrea Arroyo (www.andreaarroyo.com) and the Morris-Jumel Mansion (Shiloh Holley, Executive Director of the Morris-Jumel Mansion)

 Contact Person

Shiloh Holley

Email: sholley@morrisjumel.org

Telephone number: 212-923-8008

Website: morrisjumel.org