CREATIVE CONTINUATION
- kaigmal0204
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Celebrate Independence with ARTIVISM
Kai Malette
June, Week Four
June is almost over. As the summer heat rises, our family at ARTIVISM provides a space where creativity flourishes.
This week was packed with events, including one of our biggest to date! But, first, we have an important announcement to share:
The ARTIVISM 'First Fridays at the Oliver' is back! What’s the first Friday of July, you ask? It’s none other than July 4th, Independence Day! Join us for food, drinks, vendors, live performances, and a rooftop area to enjoy the fireworks. Tickets will be available on our website, so grab them soon and come celebrate with us!
We invite everyone to participate in this wonderful art market. If you or anyone you know is an artist or a businessperson, please sign up to showcase your creations to a fresh crowd!
Independence isn’t limited to our location; it’s about the freedom we have as artists. We create what we want, how we want, feeding the part of our collective soul that craves expression. ARTIVISM is dedicated to this ideology. As the market approaches, we strive to spotlight those searching for independence and freedom.
Let’s dive right into the details! If you missed last week’s events, I’ve got you covered. If you joined us, let’s relive some moments. Welcome to the show! We hope to make a great impression.
You can catch up with the rest of the June Recaps here:
Sunday, June 22 - WPFW Jazz and Justice at Malcolm X Park
We kicked off the week at Malcolm X Park. We participated as a vendor at the Jazz and Justice Festival, organized by DC's own 89.3 FM, WPFW. Alongside other vendors, we showcased our craft while addressing the injustices faced today. This event allowed us to introduce ARTIVISM to many first-time visitors.
With guitars, painted canvases, merchandise, a chessboard, and a saxophone, we soaked in the vibrant energy of the festival. The sun was relentless; it hit 96 degrees in the shade! But that didn’t stop people from stopping by. Some were drawn in by our music, others were intrigued by our brand and the creative minds behind it.
We greeted everyone warmly, explaining what ARTIVISM stands for: Social Activism through Creative Expression. The drive to create resonated with many attendees. We directed visitors to our website and social media pages, creating new connections that could help us expand to different venues! This Sunday was beautiful, and it's only the beginning.
ARTIVISM thrives with the community by letting the community create. I’ve said this many times, and it’s a point I shared with everyone who visited our table. Many attendees expressed their support for the idea of creation, inspiring hope in me that we are becoming a beacon of inspiration. If you're thinking, "Hey, that sounds nice," now you know where to find us. Perhaps we’ll unlock something within you.
Monday, June 23 - Melodic Mondays at Aurora Market
After a successful Sunday, we kept the energy alive with another Melodic Monday at Aurora Market. Who could resist a $7 meal deal and well-priced drinks, especially with fun events to enjoy?
"Was it karaoke again?" you might ask. I hope you can hear my laughter in response!
No, my friends. This Monday, we brought the nostalgia of the 2000s with a dance party! Some of you certainly know how to move! Combining early hip-hop with pop classics and a touch of Caribbean flair created a night where everyone had to bust a move at least once.
One of our lovely founders, Isaac (aka IcyTides), took control of the music, pumping out hit after hit. Dancers sang along as if the lyrics were second nature, taking the microphone to hype up the crowd even further. Despite the heat, it felt freeing to come together and dance without a care.
I’m certain that we’ll include a similar event in our rotation again. If dancing to your heart's content sounds appealing, a Monday night at Aurora Market is the perfect spot for you.
Tuesday, June 24 - Sankofa Jam Session
As always, an ARTIVISM week wouldn't be complete without the generosity of Sankofa, which hosts our weekly jam sessions.
Our favorite musicians and music enthusiasts came together at the café. People who were already present stayed, their faces lit with awe at the magic filling the air.
Every jam session brings something new. Everyone is encouraged to explore the many instruments available. I set my saxophone aside and played the seated drum. Other guitarists sensed that some tunes needed a percussive twist, and they grabbed tambourines.
For two hours each week, we cultivate a space where you don’t just live; you float. From rap battles between artists to a stunning rendition of "Just The Two of Us," it’s no wonder we return time after time.
What’s Next?
If you’ve been following ARTIVISM for a while, you know the routine. If you’re new, here are our upcoming events!
For 6/29 - 7/5
Monday, 6/30: Melodic Mondays at Aurora Market
Tuesday, 7/1: Jam Session at Sankofa Video, Books, and Café
Friday, 7/4: First Fridays at the Oliver (Fourth of July Edition)
I highlighted that last event for a reason! Join us as we celebrate our independence as artists, along with the family vibes we provide each time. Tickets will go on sale soon, so please keep us in mind!
Follow ARTIVISM on Instagram!
@_artivism
Laugh hard, run fast, dance freely. Much love!
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