2019-696-E Arts - Kim Lane arts grant

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DocuSign Envelope ID:53DEBE36-7231-45B8-A7CC-2442AA9665F7 This project has the capacity to feature the voices of at least 24 central North Carolina writers in a respectful, artist-centered venue and format. At least one poet/spoken word artist, and one singer- songwriter will be featured, once monthly, for twelve months (July 2019-June 2020). Twice during the year, I would like to have "student spotlight" events, in which 3-4 local high school writers and singer- songwriters would be the featured artists. These student-centered events are intended to serve as outreach not just to the students, but to their families and greater school communities who may not regularly attend community-based arts events. This project holds utmost emphasis on intersectionality, diversity, and equity. This is very much meant to be an opportunity for people to engage with accessible, truly local, "homegrown" poetry and song. It is intended to be both showcase and community-builder, with dialogue between artists and audience, and social time and refreshments built into each event. For artists who have merchandise to sell, they would certainly be welcome to do so. Audience members would also be invited to voluntarily show their appreciation through donations (or "tip jar") at the door (all of which would go directly to the performing artists.) This is an ongoing event in which emerging writers will gain experience with an appreciative, engaged community audience and venue supportive of their growth. My goal as its host is to encourage and mentor artists as they work toward their creative and professional goals. I have had such support in my own life, and know its power in a creative person's life. Artist Experience I have been a performance poet and event host throughout the United States and Europe for twenty-four years. After winning the National Poetry Slam with Team Asheville, NC, in 1995, 1 was picked up by MTV Spoken Word, Russell Simmons' "Def Poetry Jam," Lollapalooza, and an arts promoter in Copenhagan, Denmark, who organized my first European poetry tour. That promoter saw potential in me as an event host, and I began to work in a wide range of musical and arts events. Most recently, the Wainwright family has secured me as their ongoing host and opening act for some of their music events. The most recent featured singer-songwriters Sloan Wainwright, David Wilcox, and Walter Parks. After 9/11/2001, 1 decided to return to North Carolina to become a teacher. Since then, I have continued to write, publish, and perform as a poet and singer-songwriter. But I am very much a teacher; I have enjoyed more public accolades than one person probably deserves, and have found much joy in being part of an arts community as a mentor, host, and facilitator. I am actively engaged at the intersection of North Carolina's writer, performance poetry, and singer-songwriter communities; these fine people are my friends and colleagues, and it gives me great joy to provide them with the possibility of a well-deserved spotlight.