It all starts with a simple and amazing implementation. Parks across Memphis have soda ads covered with back panels, but lack basic game lines. For Project Backboard co-founder Dan Peterson, disconnecting sparked a vision that has since evolved into a decade-old mission to restore the basketball court to a vibrant, clever community space.
“In 2015, I was walking in a park in Memphis and noticed the lack of court lines,” Peterson recalls. “At the same time, I also saw photos of Pigalle Court in Paris, as well as comics from those celebrities. This contrast led me to a space where people could influence whether or not they wanted to compete.”
Today, Project Backboard is synonymous with the fusion of art, community and basketball. Over the past 10 years, they have worked with some Dopest contemporary artists to transform the court into a vibrant public canvas, from Carlos Rolón to Faith Rolón to Adia Millett to Edgar Millett. Although each project tells a unique story, Peterson worked hard to isolate a journey beyond all of this.
“There are many,” he said with a smile. “We are with Carlos Rolón people Magazine, My Kids compete with Tom Holland in Adia Millett Court in Oakland. Just like each project adds a different stroke to the overall situation of what we are going to do. ”
Originally to restore the grassroots efforts of the game line, a nationwide initiative has been established that has impacted countless communities. But Project Backboard’s evolution is more than just scaling up. It’s about perfecting the task.
“Initially, it was to give every kid near Memphis a free throw place,” Peterson said. “Now, we prioritize the experience of park users and make sure the space serves hoops and artist collaborators.
This spirit is evident in their latest initiatives, such as the Live Basketball Club, which invites adults and kids to play as teammates rather than as coaches or parents. Another initiative is ordinary practice, providing a platform for exploring the intersection of basketball and contemporary art.
“The common approach is the space we can ask, What happens when basketball becomes a medium for contemporary art? It’s a way to continue to push the conversation forward. ” Peterson said.
In a symbolic tribute to its beginning, the haicao will return to Chicaso Heritage Park in Memphis in late August, the court of birth. The court will now feature artworks by Nina Chanel Abney, whose early partnership with the organization sets the foundation for influential collaboration.
“I was filled with gratitude for redoing the court,” Peterson said. “I first discovered Nina’s work through Elliot Perry in 2014. It was a long connection with her; the idea of using Art Painting Park Court didn’t exist at the time. But Nina said yes. That willingness opened the door to working with many other incredible artists.”
Since then, Project Backboard has invested nearly $5 million in parks nationwide due to these rising artist collaborations. But Peterson naturally leaned towards his team, so it wasn’t just a man to raise rocks.
“Without our project installation team, the arts, work and the work of the basketball department itself wouldn’t be done – people actually fill the cracks, pour in color paint, tape edges and pulverizers,” he said. “Their dedication and hard work have been the backbone of every project.”
As Project Backboard enters its second decade, Peterson encourages everyone who “loves basketball” to bring that love into the park, not only players, but housekeepers.
“If you like games, don’t keep your love for yourself,” he said. “Spend time in the park – ride, coach, hang net, pick up trash. Share love with your community. That’s the victory for us all.”
Austin Bell’s title portrait.
