As we move farther into 2024, and closer to Election Day, habitual conversations around new legislation and the future of the United States are becoming more recurrent. In New York, artists have been hosting a range of events geared towards raising awareness for upcoming political policies. Noise for Now is an organization hoping to make a difference in the conversation surrounding reproductive justice.
Noise for Now will be partnering with Upstate Art Weekend (UPAW), an event geared towards celebrating various artists within Upstate New York. Taking place July 18-21, and spanning ten counties in the Catskills Mountains and Hudson Valley, the four day event will have participants that include local art organizations, temporary exhibitions, galleries such as Ann Street Gallery and Dia Beacon, as well as various creative projects.
Noise for Now will be hosting two events within the weekend, their second annual concert and a curated sale of artworks, with proceeds going towards reproductive rights and assistance to those traveling to New York to access abortion care and medical assistance. The timely event is meant to bring artists together, exercise the conversation around abortion, and fundraise resources during this significant election year.
The art exhibition curated by artists Kate Steciw and Amelia Bauer, will feature work by Manuela Arnal, Madeline Cass, Deborah Czeresko, Melanie Delgado, Ethan Greenbaum, Marc Hundley, Roxanne Jackson, Antonia Kuo, Janice Loeb, Dorothea Marcus, Sam Margevicius, Parme Marin, Marc Pelletier, Charles Purvis, Mariah Robertson, Cherrelle Sappleton, Carrie Schneider, David Schoerner, Willy Somma, and Sun You. Some artists will be showcasing limited editions of their pieces, while others have made original works for the event. The pieces will be on display at the YWCA Gallery.
Along with the exhibition there will be a benefit concert in Kingston, at Unicorn Bar, featuring Kyp Malone from TV On The Radio and Gail Ann Dorsey. The proceeds made from the Noise for Now exhibition, concert, and benefit will go towards supporting towards abortion access and education, with 90% being donated to New York Abortion Access Fund, and other independent abortion clinics in New York.
The benefit is taking place over two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade, ending the constitutional right to an abortion in the United States. At this time, 41 states have abortion bans in effect with limited exceptions, with 14 states holding a total abortion ban. As we move further into election season, more conversations about the future of reproductive rights are one of the many topics at the forefront of our cultural conversation. Noise for Now hopes to assist in keeping the conversation active by benefiting abortion access in New York state.
Noise For Now will be presenting a curated sale of artwork in collaboration with the Upstate Art Weekend, as well as a benefit concert taking place on July 19.