THe Arts & Justice Festival 2023
The Arts & Justice Festival, held July 6-9, 2023, was a multi-day long celebration of community care, culture, and actions that are maintaining a healthy community on Cape Cod despite the challenges we face living here. We produced a series of events that focused on community, joy and rest, that address mental and public health, interrogates the history and stories of who makes up Cape Cod, celebrates the richness of our different backgrounds through art, food and music, lifts up POC businesses, and offers ways for community members to get involved in keeping our neighbors healthy, safe, and thriving.
July 6th Take up Space Exhibition
July 6th kicked off the Arts & Justice Festival with the opening reception for “Take up Space: a Spatial Justice Art Exhibit.” Works by Filipe Borges, William Camargo, Kannetha Brown, Natasha Frye, Gianna Preston, Coco Raymond, Kenard Smith, and Anastaci Pacella portrayed stories of humanity, intimacy, gentrification, and justice. We’ll also celebrated the premiere screening of “The Low Down on Main Street: perspectives from underrepresented community members.” This minidoc which features interviews of long-time Hyannis residents by emerging director Tamora Israel, was produced by Communi-T Productions, and was funded by the New England Foundation for the Art’s Public Art for Spatial Justice Grant. Exhibiting artist William Camargo will gave a virtual artist talk from his studio in Anaheim, CA about social justice and the ethics of photography.
A Night of Black Excellence
in partnership with Communi-T Productions
A Night of Black Excellence was a showcase of local and regional Black musical and spoken word artists whose talent and drive lends to the development of Black culture on Cape Cod. Artists such as Tanoa Vaughn, Olivia Yingling, Natasha Faith and Victoria Brown, The ZYG 808 brought an energetic and moving performance to the Hyannis Village Green.
Storytelling with Antonio Rocha
In partnership with the Hyannis Public Library
Storyteller Antonio Rocha entertained a crowd of all ages at the Hyannis Harbor Overlook by the Artists' Shanties with "Crossroads," a culturally diverse performance of tales from around the world.
The More than the beach fashion show
The highlight of Saturday was the More Than the Beach Fashion show which celebrated the incredible designs of local designers Zavia Walker, Kenard Smith, Devinto Designs, Mira Wear, Mijiza Images, and Cassandra Starling. These designers blew us away with a range of luxury, streetwear, beachwear and sustainable fashion. Local boutiques Butu International, MiniMe Boutiques, and Wicked Vintage brought the heat from their stores. Many thanks to SignedMGT for setting us up with models and keeping things running back stage while DJs JT and Angel kept things moving out front.
The Amplify POC Summer vendor market
It is possible that we saved the best part of the festival for last. The Amplify POC Summer Vendor Market on July 9th was bigger than ever with over forty vendors and multiple food vendors like Blue Moon Mexican Restaurant, Karibbean Lounge, and Island Cafe and Grill. We enjoyed Zumba, music, arts and crafts, and celebrating all the amazing POC owned businesses in our community.
