SEE | TRANSlations
If you’ve been keeping up with the volatile socio-political climate threatening trans rights (or haven’t been living under a rock), you might be curious about ways in which you can support the trans community. In addition to tangible avenues of allyship (i.e., financial, legislative), consider getting a ticket to one of only nine trans film festivals in the world—TRANSlations: Seattle Trans Film Festival. The theme for 2023’s fest is “TRANS THROUGH TIME” to celebrate the longevity and resilience of trans people past, present, and future. Now in its 18th year, this hybrid festival boasts unforgettable trans-centered features, short films, and special events. TRANSlations has carved out a space to support trans artists, build community, and lift up the stories and experiences of trans folks from the source—it’s an opportunity to connect that you won’t want to miss.
Virtual: Streaming May 4th – 7th
In-Person: May 5th & 6th | Various times @ Ark Lodge Cinemas & The Beacon Cinema
ATTEND | Seattle Art Book Fair
Looking to jazz up your coffee table offerings, add some cool prints to your walls, get connected with the local art community, or just check out some really rad creations by really rad people? Look no further than the Seattle Art Book Fair (SABF). A free annual festival, the SABF celebrates independent publishing, book design, and “books-as-art”—a category of publications that utilize books as an artistic medium and practice. Over sixty-five local, national, and international artists, designers, and organizations will be exhibiting works that push the possibilities of what books can be. If you’re interested in immersing yourself further, SABF’s programming also features an abundance of free talks, workshops, and art installations from members of their extended arts community.
May 6th – 7th | 11 am @ Washington Hall
EXPERIENCE | FIRELIGHT: Dance + Music + Storytelling
Every month, Velocity Dance Center and Café Racer join forces to bring together a rotating gathering of artists for FIRELIGHT. Every performance is wildly different and ever-changing depending on the collaborators at play. Velocity’s Curating Artist in Residence, Alyza DelPan-Monley, invites creators from dance, storytelling, music, and performance backgrounds to co-imagine the entire show. This provides a rare opportunity for artists to share their work and perhaps stretch into less familiar forms and styles. The production process begins by asking the group of collaborators what they’re interested in, what they care about, and what they’d like to make art about; from there, a performance takes form. FIRELIGHT is an intentionally low stakes social gathering meant to be fun and caring, so bring a friend, grab a drink, and see what these artists have created.
April 19th | 8:00 pm @ Café Racer