our story

Sibyls Shrine is a network of Black artists who m/other in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania— and beyond. We are an art collective and residency program rooted in our own radical care, rest and support.

Sibyls Shrine is a homage to the Sibyls, the original priestesses of the African goddess Mami Wata. The term was used to name the divine status, quality, and nature of the matriarchal guardians.

Our program is motivated by a similar goal: uplifting Black artists who m/other with opportunities to further develop their craft and presence in the art world.

We support a population that, for centuries, has been faced with the intersecting oppressions of racism, sexism, the rigors of m/otherhood and childcare, making the barriers to a successful career in the arts insurmountable.

We provide artists in our network with opportunities to rest, unrestricted financial support, career development, skill-sharing, access to arts and cultural institutions, free classes and workshops, exhibition and speaking opportunities, support for self care, childcare and other daily needs— Sibyls Shrine has created a resource framework that directly addresses this intersectionality and many of the systemic and structural factors that continue to oppress Black artists who m/other. 

Sibyls Shrine was created in 2019 by Alisha B Wormsley, developed with Jessica Gaynelle Moss, in partnership with Shiftworks Community + Public Arts.

mission

To empower and uplift Black artists who m/other.

Rooted in principles of radical care, rest and support, Sibyls Shrine strives to create a transformative and nurturing space where Black artists can explore their creativity without limitations. Through inclusive programs, partnerships, special projects and a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers, we aim to amplify Black artists who m/other, foster representation, and cultivate sustainable careers in the arts. 

vision

Sibyls Shrine envisions a world where Black artists who m/other are celebrated, nurtured, and empowered to create boldly and fearlessly.

Motherhood and systemic oppression will not be barriers for Black artists but a source of strength and inspiration.

  • “Sibyls Shrine is helping Black women find ways to thrive when other places won’t.”

  • “It is a strength to have this in Pittsburgh. It is small enough and well connected.”

  • “When I first got involved with Sibyls Shrine, I hoped to interact with other black and brown moms that are artists. Other artists [in Sibyls Shrine] have included me and my children.”

  • “Sibyls Shrine provides a safe space and platform for artists who are mothers to come together in community, heal, and connect with one another."

  • "Finding support and encouragement toward my artistic dreams. Finding space for healing through art/art space. Getting excited again about artistic pursuit.”

  • “My hope as someone who is recently rediscovering their artistry/craft was to join a supportive community of other artists similar to myself."

Thank you to our partners, supporters and funders.

 
 

Shiftworks Community + Public Arts

Shiftworks Community + Public Arts provides additional support as the Sibyls Shrine collaborating organization. Working mothers make up the entirety of the project team.

 
 

Thank you to our Funders:

  • Planned Parenthood of Western PA

  • The Heinz Endowments

  • The Ford Foundation

  • POISE Foundation

  • Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise (PACE)

  • The Opportunity Fund

  • The Pittsburgh Foundation

  • The Office for Public Art

  • Neighborhood Allies

  • Arts, Equity, & Education Fund