From June 7-9, 2024, downtown Asheville will transform into a vibrant hub of creativity and connection. The Connect Beyond Festival 2024 is not just another event on the calendar; it’s a movement that aims to inspire positive change and deepen community engagement through the powerful mediums of art, music, film, and culture.
With its theme of “Connection to Deepen Resilience and Keep Moving Forward,” the festival promises to be a catalyst for personal and collective growth. Attendees will find themselves immersed in a world where creativity meets activism, and where every performance, screening, and conversation is an opportunity to envision a brighter future.
Key Takeaways
– Connect Beyond Festival 2024 celebrates art and resilience in Asheville, North Carolina, from June 7-9.
– The festival aims to inspire change and strengthen community ties through art, music, film, and culture.
– Opening night features a free screening of the documentary “Step” with a Q&A session with the cast and crew.
– Saturday includes a full day of film screenings, panel discussions, and performances at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium for $50.
– Highlights include the documentary “We Are Guardians” and a performance by musician and artist Lonnie Holley.
– Workshops provide practical skills for creating change, focusing on storytelling and sustainable practices.
– The Indigenous Walls Project hosts an Intertribal Graffiti Jam, celebrating Native cultures through street art.
– The festival promotes sustainability with eco-friendly art practices showcased by Asheville Print Studio + Gallery.
– A free closing event wraps up the festival with performances and activities to inspire and connect attendees.
– The festival encourages ongoing dialogue and action, highlighting the power of art to unite and inspire change.
A Celebration of Art and Resilience
As the sun sets over the Blue Ridge Mountains, a cultural revolution is brewing in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina. What if a single weekend could change the way you see the world and your place in it? The Connect Beyond Festival is set to do just that, igniting the city’s creative spirit and promising a transformative experience that transcends boundaries and inspires change. For those looking to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty, Spacious Skies Hidden Creek in nearby Marion offers a perfect retreat with its array of accommodations and family-friendly amenities.
Opening Night: A Step Towards Inspiration
The festival kicks off on Friday, June 7, with a free screening of the Sundance Award-winning documentary “Step” at the Wortham Center. This powerful film follows the journey of a girls’ high-school step team in inner-city Baltimore, showcasing their determination to make their dreams a reality.
After the credits roll, attendees will have the rare opportunity to engage directly with the cast and crew in a thought-provoking Q&A session. This opening event sets the tone for the entire festival, highlighting the transformative power of art and perseverance.
A Day of Discovery and Dialogue
Saturday, June 8, marks the main festival day, with events centered at the historic Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. For $50, festival-goers can immerse themselves in a carefully curated program of film screenings, panel discussions, and performances. The organizers have designed the schedule to avoid overlapping events, ensuring that attendees can experience everything without missing out.
One of the day’s highlights is the screening of “We Are Guardians,” a compelling documentary about environmental activism. The Q&A session with Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, and Rob Grobman promises to offer insights into the challenges and triumphs of environmental stewardship.
Voices of Change: Panelists and Performers
The Connect Beyond Festival has assembled an impressive roster of speakers and artists. Julia Hotz, author of “The Connection Cure,” will share insights on the power of human connection in our digital age. Paula Dofat, an advocate for historically Black colleges and universities, will discuss the importance of education in fostering resilience and change.
Attendees will also experience a performance by Lonnie Holley, an acclaimed musician and visual artist. Holley’s “Music + Words” performance promises to blend soulful melodies with profound observations on life and society.
Workshops that Empower
Beyond the main stage events, the festival offers workshops designed to equip attendees with practical skills for creating change. The “Rebalanced: Solutions Journalism For Tumultuous Times” panel will explore how storytelling can address local issues and inspire sustainable actions.
These workshops reflect the festival’s commitment to providing tools for making a tangible difference in communities. From art activism to sustainable practices, participants will leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit for change.
A Cultural Tapestry: The Indigenous Walls Project
One of the most visually striking elements of the festival is the Intertribal Graffiti Jam, organized by the Indigenous Walls Project. This event will see indigenous artists creating live mural paintings throughout downtown Asheville, transforming blank walls into vibrant canvases that celebrate Native cultures and stories.
Jared Wheatley, founder of the Indigenous Walls Project, explains that this initiative aims to amplify awareness of Native cultures through street art. It’s a powerful reminder of the rich cultural heritage that underpins the festival and Asheville itself.
Sustainable Art in Action
The festival’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its programming to the practices it promotes. The Asheville Print Studio + Gallery will showcase eco-friendly printmaking techniques and host workshops demonstrating how art can be both beautiful and environmentally conscious.
These initiatives reflect a growing trend in Asheville’s art scene, where creativity and sustainability go hand in hand. It’s a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering a culture that values both artistic expression and environmental stewardship.
More Than Just a Festival
As the sun sets on the final day, attendees will gather for a free closing event that promises to be a celebration of all they’ve experienced. While the details are still under wraps, organizers hint at performances and activities that will leave participants feeling inspired and connected.
The impact of the Connect Beyond Festival extends far beyond these three days in June. By bringing together artists, activists, and community members, the festival serves as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and action. It’s a reminder that art has the power to not only reflect our world but to shape it.
In a world that often feels divided, the Connect Beyond Festival stands as a beacon of hope and unity. It’s more than just an event; it’s a call to action, an invitation to be part of a movement that celebrates creativity, fosters resilience, and shapes the future. As you leave Asheville, you’ll carry with you not just memories, but a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to make a difference in your own community. Will you answer the call and be part of this transformative experience? And for those looking to extend their stay and reflect on their festival experience, consider booking a stay at Spacious Skies Hidden Creek, where you can unwind in nature and continue the spirit of connection amidst the beauty of the North Carolina mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Connect Beyond Festival 2024 about?
A: The Connect Beyond Festival 2024 is a celebration of art, music, film, and culture in Asheville, North Carolina, aimed at inspiring positive change and community engagement.
Q: When and where is the festival taking place?
A: The festival is happening from June 7-9, 2024, in downtown Asheville, North Carolina.
Q: What is the theme of the festival?
A: The theme is “Connection to Deepen Resilience and Keep Moving Forward.”
Q: What can attendees expect on the opening night of the festival?
A: On opening night, there will be a free screening of the documentary “Step” at the Wortham Center, followed by a Q&A session with the cast and crew.
Q: How much does it cost to attend the main festival day events?
A: The main festival day events on June 8 cost $50.
Q: What is the Intertribal Graffiti Jam?
A: The Intertribal Graffiti Jam is an event where indigenous artists create live mural paintings, celebrating Native cultures and stories.
Q: What are some of the workshops offered at the festival?
A: Workshops include topics like art activism, sustainable practices, and storytelling for addressing local issues.
Q: How does the festival promote sustainability?
A: The festival promotes sustainability through eco-friendly art practices and workshops, like those at the Asheville Print Studio + Gallery.
Q: What is the festival’s impact beyond the three days?
A: The festival aims to be a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and action, encouraging attendees to make a difference in their communities.