By Deaunte Damper - Alright y'all, let's dive deeper into this Kiki ballroom scene, a place where community, growth, and expression collide. I had the chance to chop it up with some key figures in the scene, and let me tell you, their insights were powerful.

Terrain, the region's largest multimedia art and music event, recently celebrated its 15th year, showcasing a vibrant array of artistic expression. Ginger Ewing, Terrain co-founder, shared her insights on Terrain's impact and its significance for the local community.

A powerful story of community and resilience unfolded as Besa Gordon visited the “This is East Central” mural at the Carl Maxey Center in Spokane.

Besa Gordon recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ginger Ewing, the driving force behind Terrain, the Pacific Northwest's premier multimedia arts and music festival, in downtown Spokane.  Ewing has been instrumental in Terrain's growth and success over the past 15 years.

The Wa Na Wari Gallery’s "Forced Perspective: Black Photography at the Paramount Theater" exhibit, a collaboration with Seattle Theatre Group (STG), highlights Black artistry through stunning photographs that capture the essence of Black life and culture. This powerful exhibition fosters dialogue and connection, offering a platform for Black artists historically excluded from the mainstream.

The Black Lives Matter mural on Capitol Hill in Seattle serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Last year, the mural's annual repainting took on a special significance as it became a tribute to Elijah Lewis, a young activist and community leader who tragically passed away last April.

Scope Screenings is a Seattle-based film festival that is unlike any other. Founded by Lex Scope, this festival is a platform for underrepresented creators to showcase their work in front of a live audience. Scope Screenings is more than just a film festival; it's a community of artists, directors, and creators who are passionate about their craft. The event takes place at SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and the next one is coming up on September 24th.

Ari and Harry, the duo behind Paradice Worldwide, are making waves in Seattle's streetwear scene. Their brand, which draws inspiration from the city's vibrant culture and the founders' own experiences, offers a unique blend of urban style and South End pride.

The Subway Cypher, an art installation formerly displayed at Occidental Square Park, was a vibrant tribute to 50 years of Hip Hop culture. This collaborative effort between Vivid Matter Collective and Friends of Waterfront Seattle featured a graffiti-adorned shipping container reminiscent of a subway car, a nod to the genre's roots in New York City.

Converge Media’s very own Art Queen, Takiyah Ward, recently took a moment to reflect on the first season of her show, *Art of The Matter*. The show, hosted by Ward, dives deep into the vibrant world of art and culture, giving audiences a personal glimpse into the lives of artists.

The Amazon Spheres in Seattle are not only a marvel of architecture and a hub for plant life, but recently was also home to a unique artistic collaboration. Meet the Art Brothers, Moses Sun and barry johnson, two artists who have found inspiration and a platform for their work in the understory of this urban rainforest.

Last month, the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture launched the iconic Complexity exhibit at ARTS inside the historic King Street Station. The exhibit, part of the DogTown Collection, is in partnership with The American Graffiti & Urban Art Conservation Project and APEX Art & Cultural Center. This epic collection showcases masterpieces created by some of the most influential graffiti writers of the last 50 years.

The Seattle Theatre Group's ELEVATE program recently showcased the talents of young Black and Brown artists at the historic Neptune Theatre. Among these talented performers was Maya Michelle Russell, a 16-year-old spoken word artist making waves in the Seattle arts scene.

Seattle Theatre Group’s Elevate is a transformative annual program, now four years in the making, that empowers young artists to find their voice and express themselves through spoken word. Each year, Elevate provides a platform for talented young performers to showcase their skills, share their stories, and connect with their community. Converge Media has been a proud partner of STG Elevate since its inception, and Back2Besa is honored to continue this tradition of uplifting youth voices.

Seattle's vibrant film scene came together last month as Scope Screenings, the city's leading platform for short films, hosted its latest event. Founded in 2022 by Lex Scope, the festival has quickly become a beloved hub for showcasing exceptional short films, music videos, and short-form content.

Seattle recently came alive with a vibrant Juneteenth celebration, showcasing the city's dedication to honoring Black history and fostering community unity. The Africatown Community Land Trust's Summer of Soul Juneteenth celebration, hosted by Trae Holiday, drew a diverse crowd eager to commemorate this important day in American history.

Juneteenth is a time to commemorate Black freedom and liberation, and this year the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) hosted a vibrant weekend of events to mark the occasion. With a focus on community, education, and the celebration of Black history, art, and culture, Juneteenth 2024 was a resounding success.

Seattle Theatre Group is hosting a free audition class for the musical, Girl From the North Country. This is an amazing opportunity for theatre/drama students ages 14 and up to learn from the cast members themselves.

Seattle came alive this Juneteenth with a vibrant celebration of Black freedom, community, and culture during Africatown Community Land Trust’s Summer of Soul Juneteenth celebration hosted by Trae Holiday. The event, held at the iconic Jimi Hendrix Park, drew a diverse crowd eager to commemorate this important day in American history.

In November 2023, Washington became one of the first states to open its health insurance marketplace to all residents, including undocumented immigrants. Everyone who lives in Washington state now has the opportunity to buy health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, regardless of immigration status.