PHOENIX—The Sidewalk Project—a group that uses art, music, film and more to be socially active in houseless communities around the world—will host its next event on May 6 in Phoenix.
One of the driving forces behind the Sidewalk Project, Soma Snakeoil knows the importance of including all at-risk people in assistance and enrichment efforts.
“We like to think of what we do more as a celebration than an outreach event,” Soma said. “All people need to be safe, especially marginalized cultures like the houseless community and sex workers. All people need food, water and the basics for survival. We want that and more. How do we thrive? We support each other! Our community centers around creativity, kindness and respect. No judgment! There is a powerful history of people using art and music to inspire movements. Ours is the shame free Sidewalk revolution! We’re knocking down barriers between people to enrich experience.”
The Sidewalk Project, Phoenix will take place from noon to 4 p.m. near Pioneer & Military Memorial Park in downtown Phoenix. It will feature food, live music and entertainment, personal care, enrichment as well as art and interactive activities.
A number of local organizations provide food to those in need in Phoenix including third Sunday feedings provided by the nonprofit Other Side Ministries. In addition to feeding those in needs the organization's founder Jason Taylor is raising funds to build a fully functional teaching kitchen to help develop culinary skills and create employment opportunities. Pizza for the Sidewalk Project’s event will be provided by Jimmy Mascia's United Assets Services Inc.
The Sidewalk Project strives to provide aid that goes beyond the usual services.
“Many of the members of our organization come from an artistic background and fully understand and appreciate the power of art and music,” said Soma. “We believe that people need to experience catharsis while they create art and music and have a sense of community. These are the things The Sidewalk Project strives for. We believe happiness grows as it is shared. And we love to throw a good party! We're excited Unshakable Roots is welcoming The Sidewalk Project to Phoenix.”
Live music will be provided by The Venomous Pinks a quartet of talented musicians, ready to break the rules. As one of the only all girl punk bands in the Phoenix area, they make no apologies. They will be playing unplugged.
“We’re excited our whole band is coming! We’re doing a couple of our acoustic songs, the covers Stacey Dee of Bad Cop Bad Cop suggested as well as some Alkaline Trio songs and anything else we have up our sleeves!” Said Drea Doll of Venomous Pinks. “It’s gonna be fun!”
The Sidewalk Project’s Phoenix event will feature local artists and they will be joined by on the Sidewalk by Skid Row artist Crushow Herring and Los Angeles artists Libby Coy and Danny Green. There will also be opportunities for everyone to get involved with artistic expression through interactive activities.
“Art and Music have always connected people,” said Stacey Dee of Bad Cop Bad Cop. “ They heal souls and start revolutions! We believe it’s up to art and music to create the change we need to take care of each other. If the infrastructures of our societies aren’t looking out for all of us, through art and music, we are going to make sure to look out for each other!”
In keeping with their goal to provide a complete approach to the human experience, the Sidewalk Project will go beyond food, art and music. The event will include healing and self care provided by local professionals. Manicures/pedicures will be available as well as hair styling and cuts by the Paul Mitchell School of Phoenix. Their hope is to provide a inclusive, well-rounded outreach that goes beyond what people normally associate with such efforts and reaches communities too often forgotten.
“What would happen if all saw each other just as we are? All grown children wearing life's battle scars. No rich, no poor. No less, no more. We are all the same,” said Tami Sharp, founder of Unshakable Roots. “The Sidewalk Project team are amazing people that are able to look past the stories and traumas others carry and see into the hearts of the humans we encounter, without judgment. It's a very important element in the healing of humanity process. It's our goal to have The Sidewalk Project create an ongoing impact at the roots of the houseless community in Phoenix. We are cultivating catharsis through art, music and healing modalities.”
“We live in tumultuous times,” said Domina Angelina. “Far too often, marginalized communities get left out by outreach efforts. We have to make sure we care for all people in need.”
A longtime ProDomme and Dungeon Owner who currently runs an erotic fine art site at CageOfTheSoul.com, Angelina understands the healing power of artistic expression and the need for support for sex workers.
“When it comes to providing assistance to those in need, we must make sure not to forget sex workers,” Angelina said. “The political climate has seen this community come under attack by the recently passed FOSTA/SESTA law which makes it harder for sex workers to safely earn a living. Other laws, such as California’s SB1204 could actually make it a crime to provide food, shelter, condoms and other basic aid to sex workers. The Sidewalk Project's hope is that no in-need community gets left out. We need to create partnerships across different communities to ensure this happens.”
The Phoenix Sidewalk Project will take place noon to 4 p.m. May 6 at 230 S 12th Ave in downtown Phoenix.
For more, visit TheSidewalkProject.org.
