Arts in Nature Festival - Schedule

Friday, August 27th, 6pm

The nine-day event will kick off Friday, August 27th at 6pm, with an Indigenous-centered opening featuring UW Tacoma Students from Pacific Islander Student Association, Indigenous Environmental Science, and Orca Annie & Odin Lonning sharing story, music, and their activism on behalf of the resident Orcas in the Salish Sea. Real Rent Duwamish donations will be collected for the duration of the event to honor the Duwamish Tribe and acknowledge the unceded land the event will take place upon.

Saturday, August 28th 12pm - 8pm

DNDA will present the Arts in Nature Showcase! LASH will co-MC the 3-8pm main stage event featuring an eclectic mix of sights and sounds: Sound Bath by Jennifer Moore. Poetry by Troy Osaki. Musical performance by cellist Gretchen Yanover with dancer Noelle Price of PRICEarts. Dance performance by Boka Kouyate & the Djeliyah Band.  Headlining performance: Holy Pistola!

Movement performance and wellness activities will happen in the field with Capoeira Angola Panteras and Danza Symbiosis between 11:00am and 5:00pm!

Sunday, August 29th, 12pm - 8pm

Westcrest Park will be animated with activities & eco arts in the field and trail animations from 12pm - 3pm. From 4pm to 8pm, will feature performers curated by artist, activist dani tirrell and a science panel on healthcare access featuring Dr Sinead Younge of Morehouse College, Director of Praxis of Social Justice at the Andrew Young Center for Leadership and Candace Jackson of the African American Health Board of Seattle. 
Performers Dandy (David Rue & Randy Ford), Northwest Tap Connection, Majinn (Michael O’Neal), J Mase III, Team Kut’nup and Malicious Vixens will take the stage following the lively accessible “Ask A Scientist” panel. The evening’s finale will be a community dance party with DJ Dark Wiley. Pop up vaccines will also be available on site.

Tuesday, August 31st, 6-8pm

Tuesday will be an artful community event for Overdose Awareness Day with Alexia Jones, Executive Director of R2ise and Dr Seema Clifasefi of UW Harm Reduction, Research and Treatment Program (HaRRT).

Friday, September 3rd, 6-8pm

This day will feature Sumayya Diop with a communal drumming event. Bring a drum or other percussion and join the circle. Some drums will be on hand to borrow. 

Saturday and Sunday, September 4 & 5, 3pm-8pm

These days are curated in collaboration with Jack Straw Cultural Center. BIPOC poets, musicians, and dancers will be featured, including Hula Halau O'keala'Akua Naniloa Mana'oakamai, Jack Straw Writers hosted by Anastacia-Renee, and music by JR Rhodes. On Sunday there will be a Community Bon Odori, music by Nic Masangkay, Trio Guandalevin, and Seattle Kokon Taiko, as well as Jack Straw Writers hosted by E.J. Koh. 

Art Menu: