ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Campaign for Southern Equality has planned a multi-disciplinary, interactive community arts fundraiser at The Grey Eagle Music Hall. Proceeds from the June 25 event will go to support LGBTQ+ artists.

What is “Reverb of Resistance”?

“Reverb of Resistance” is an evening of live music, visual art and community participation organized by CSE. The event will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 25 at the Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville.

Tickets are pay-what-you-can, and proceeds will go toward a planned round of CSE grants for LGBTQ+ artists. Find tickets here.

“We are hoping to support 25 artists with grants of $500,” said Liz Williams, director of Southern Equality Studios. “I’m excited to see what programming will expand with the artists who are able to receive some extra resources, especially when we’re recovering from so many obstacles, like [Tropical Storm] Helene.”

Southern Equality Studios is a branch of CSE dedicated to uplifting and empowering LGBTQ+ individuals through artwork, collaboration, workshops and other community programming.

“Really, just trying to use creativity and arts as a means of expression, and healing, and supporting people and celebrating their identities right now,” explained Andie Morgenlander, program coordinator for Southern Equality Studios. “Fortifying who they are and knowing that they’re cared for and loved, especially given the current climate towards trans people.”

What to expect at the arts event

There are multiple facets of “Reverb of Resistance” to enjoy, including performances by Las Montañitas, Elizabeth McCorvey and Her Band and Lyric and an artist market, but the most collaborative “will be us making a mosaic of images and uplifting messages for the community,” Williams said.

“We’re going to have Polaroid camera around the venue, so that people can capture shots of each other and themselves and then add them to this mosaic,” Morgenlander elaborated.

At the end of the evening, participants will gather to admire the art installation they have created together.

The Southern Equality Studios leaders emphasized that the event is open to all who wish to attend.

“We don’t have a cap on how many tickets we can sell, and if people are feeling the times right now, financially, we also have the opportunity for people to request free tickets so they can attend,” Williams said. “Because we want joy and music and art to be available for anybody who’s interested needs it.”

For more information about Southern Equality Studios or the Campaign for Southern Equality, visit www.southernequality.org.

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