We preserve what we value.
We preserve what we value. But what happens when preservation itself is endangered?
The Sacred Ordinary is a public art installation in Birmingham’s Civil Rights District that uses everyday civic objects to illuminate places of memory.
Through a self-guided experience at night, it invites visitors to connect with history beyond signage and consider what it means to keep these stories alive.
November 2–December 13, 2026
Open nightly 5–8pm
Free for all
To begin, text HERE to 205-784-2321
In Conversation
Silent Nights
Communal walks through The Sacred Ordinary
Tuesdays, November 24 & December 1 at 6pm
Meet at the corner of Kelly Ingram Park near 16th Street Baptist Church
The Sounds of The Sacred Ordinary
Live music by Jake Carnley and a poetry reading by Ashley Jones
Tuesday, December 8 at 6pm
St. Paul United Methodist Church
1500 6th Ave. N., Birmingham, AL
All programs are free and open to the public
PAST PROGRAMS
Beyond Signage: The Future of History in Birmingham’s Civil Rights District
Panel with representatives from the National Park Service, Bethel Baptist Church, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and City of Birmingham
Monday, November 9 ·at 5:30 pm
16th Street Education & Visitors Center
1512 6th Ave. N., Birmingham, AL
The Power of Place in Public Memory
ArtBreak with Tyler Jones & Joshua Jenkins
Wednesday, October 28 ·at 11:00 am
Birmingham Museum of Art
Produced by 1504
Presented by The Ministry of Culture
In partnership with National Parks Conservation Association
Created by Tyler Jones
Introduction by André Holland
Executive production by Mark Slagle
Sound design by Jake Carnley
Graphic Design by Anna Bowen
Voice-over recording by Simon Rentner
Audio mixing by Lane McGiboney
Text platform development by Ritanshu Kumar
Fabrication by Page Burch
Metalwork by Stephen Charles
Lighting by Isaac Winburne
Archival photographs
AFP via Getty Images
Birmingham, Ala. Public Library Archives
Project Advisors
Joshua Jenkins, National Parks Conservation Association
Jade Powers, Birmingham Museum of Art
Viola Ratcliffe, Create Birmingham
Elijah Gaddis, Auburn University
Special Thanks
Imani Perry, Lisa McNair, Logan Barrett, Gina Mallisham, Christina Argo, Paula Stanton, Traci Jones, Kenneth Cunningham, Matt Arnett, Chandler Jones, Ted Debro, Deborah Walker, Ed Fields, Amy Pleasant, Chip Brantley, Salaam Green, Paulette Roby, Melissa Yes, Mollie Schaefer-Thompson, William Thornton, Ann Jimerson, Maribeth Jones, Connor Marrullo, Barry McNealy, Margaret Norman, Martha Bouyer, Dylane Hurd, Terrence Brown, Rev. Marian Royston, Rev. Arthur Price, Jr., Alicia’s Coffee, Joe Minter
For inquiries, contact info@ministryofculture.org