Below is a selection of events that our office has funded for the month through our smART ventures funding program.  SmART ventures is a Seattle-based, flexible awards program that encourages innovative ideas, creates community impact, and provides new access for individuals and groups not served by our other programs. SmART ventures seek to widen arts and cultural participation, particularly of diverse or underserved communities. We hope to see you at one of these great events!

Entre Hermanos  presents South Park Gay Pride Picnic
Entre Hermanos, Seattle’s Latino LGBT Organization, presents a family-friendly picnic with musical performances celebrating Gay Pride at the Duwamish Waterway Park for the South Park and Latino communities.

Date and Location: 1 to 4 p.m., June 9 , Duwamish Waterway Park (7900 10th Ave. S. at S. Elmgrove St.

What the #&%$@! presents CHORO!?! Brazilian Music Festival

This festival of Choro music (a style of Brazilian popular music characterized by quick tempos and syncopated rhythms)  will have showcases, workshops and community jam sessions.

Dates and Locations: June14-16, The Royal Room in Columbia City, Dusty Strings Music School in Fremont,  International Capoeira Angola Foundation in the International District

Maiwut South Sudanese Refugee Servies presents Sudanese Spring Dance Festival

This festival in Capitol Hill will showcase the traditional cultural dances and art-forms of select East African groups,  including the rituals and customs that describe the cycle of life from birth to death.

Date and Location: June 15, 1013 Eighth Ave.

UMAMI Performance’s Constellation Half-Remembered

UMAMI Performance presents a series of 10 contemporary dance-based performance events based on the theme of memory.  The project will take place at multiple locations around the city.

Dates and Locations: June 19-July 27, Various Locations

The Makery’s The Makery Fest

The Makery Fest is a free community event in Columbia City featuring a live mural project and three art-making stations for youth and adults.

Date and Location: June 23, Columbia City, specific locations TBD

Theatre Off Jackson presents ‘Rage Within/Without’

Rage Within/Without is an ensemble performance piece exploring anger, aggression and violence in women,  told through movement, historical facts and case histories.Dates and Location: June 27-30, Theatre Off Jackson