Frustrated by the current state of the nation, a group of Austin artists is taking action by launching “The Show Up,” a series of free performance-infused informational programs aimed at getting the arts community to direct its skills towards positive change.
The first “Show Up” — 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 — will focus on voting and the mid-term elections. “The Show Up” is at KC Grey Homes, the furniture store that of late lets arts groups use its enormous warehouse for shows, a helpful gesture in light of Austin’s arts venue shortage.
Complete info for “The Show Up” is at facebook.com/events/1837644272983649/
Initiated by Natalie George, David Higgins and Sarah Holdgrafer, “The Show Up” is part event, part performance “that uses the skills of our community… to help arm our communities-at-large with the information they need to more fully engage in social, political, and economic life in Austin.”
Participating artists include Sonnet Blanton, Rudy Ramirez, Katie Graham, Carra Martinez, and Andrew Matthews, all theater and performance practitioners.
And did we mention there will be a show? There will be a short show.
Volunteer voter registration registrars will be on hand too to accept new registrations and confirm registration.
“We’ll give you the tools to vote in your best interest. We’ll introduce you to some candidates and causes we think you should know about,” the group’s announcement says.
“But wait there’s more! Learn about phone banks, block walks, and mailings. Never done one? No problem! Sign up with a buddy who has. Don’t have time? No Problem just set your sites as a well-informed early voter with our handy Google doc links. Mad about arts funding? Sure, who isn’t? But you have to participate to make change. We got it all. Come listen and ask all the questions. If we don’t know the answer we will find it out for you. Consider this an information rodeo. Just SHOW UP!”
What: “The Show Up”
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 8
Where: KC Grey Home, 211 E. Alpine Road, Austin, 78704
