Harlem Is Everywhere was developed as a companion podcast for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2023 exhibition The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism. Its aim was to explore how this vibrant period of cultural production—spanning painting, sculpture, music, and literature—continues to resonate with audiences today.
This was the first podcast series to offer an in-depth look at the broader history of the Harlem Renaissance. Designed to enhance the exhibition experience, the podcast was created for both onsite visitors and a global audience. It balanced storytelling about this transformative era with insightful commentary on the artworks and characters featured in the exhibition. Featuring diverse perspectives from artists, scholars, and cultural leaders, the podcast aims to serve as an enduring educational resource, even after the exhibition’s conclusion.
Host Jessica Lynne guides Harlem Is Everywhere through the themes of The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism, highlighting key works from the exhibition. She is joined by a diverse cast of voices including:
- Denise Murrell, curator of The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism
- Richard J. Powell, art historian and professor
- Monica L. Miller, scholar of English and Africana studies
- Bridget R. Cooks, art historian and professor of African American studies
- Mary Schmidt Campbell, academic and former president of Spelman College
- Robin Givhan, fashion critic
- John Keene, poet and novelist
- James Smalls, art historian and professor
- Christian McBride, musician and composer
- Jordan Casteel, artist
- Carl Philips, poet
- Major Jackson, poet
The podcast is presented in five 30–35-minute episodes, each exploring different themes from the exhibition:
- The New Negro: What was the Harlem Renaissance? This episode explores Alain Locke's The New Negro: An Interpretation, highlighting how the anthology showcased diverse representations of Black life and embodied the era's ideals.
- Portraiture & Fashion: What role did fashion play in the Harlem Renaissance? Explore how fashion and portraiture, through artists like James Van Der Zee and William Henry Johnson, served as expressions of Black identity, dignity, and resistance to racist stereotypes.
- Art & Literature: How did the literature of the Harlem Renaissance play a central role in conversations around Black identity? This episode examines the role of Harlem Renaissance literature, including works like Opportunity, The Crisis, and Fire!!, in shaping Black identity and fostering collaboration among artists, writers, and intellectuals.
- Music & Nightlife: What were the sounds of the Harlem Renaissance? Focused on the explosion of jazz and blues, this episode highlights how the vibrant Harlem nightlife allowed for new expressions of gender, sexuality, and creative freedom.
- Art as Activism: What was the political legacy of the Harlem Renaissance? The final episode looks at the Harlem Renaissance's political legacy, its role in shaping the civil rights movement, and the enduring impact of artists like Romare Bearden and Augusta Savage.
Harlem Is Everywhere became the #1 visual arts podcast in the U.S. during the exhibition’s run, and now boasts 64,000 listens across platforms. It was chosen as an Amazon Staff Pick and received widespread attention across The Met’s social media channels, generating strong engagement. The podcast was recently awarded Gold at the 4th Annual Anthem Awards.
Listeners describe the series as, “fantastic,” “enriching,” “accessible,” “educational,” and “a great tool for teachers.”
Video for Harlem Is Everywhere: The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism
