Self-Preservation Saturdays

Self-Preservation Saturdays was a drop-in series of mindful movement classes created to promote community health and well-being in the Near Northside, a historically African American neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. Adult residents were invited to participate in yoga, Tai Chi, or massage at no cost. Held at Carver Bank — a creative placemaking site designed by Theaster Gates in collaboration with Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts — classes were led by independent practitioners or instructors affiliated with The Omaha Yoga and Body Work Center. Childcare was provided at a concurrent arts and cultural enrichment program for ages 6-13.