Austin's Dougherty Arts Center (DAC) is rolling out the rainbow carpet for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month with a lineup of events that celebrate queer culture through the arts. Every Wednesday this June, Austin Parks and Recreation is hosting DAC Nights, a free event series open to the public that spotlights a different artistic and cultural topic each month. With offerings that range from poetry to DIY crafts, the LGBTQIA+ Pride month at DAC is geared toward fostering community engagement and showcasing the vibrancy of queer artistry.
Kicking off the month on June 5, poet Ariana Brown takes the stage to share works that explore themes of queerness, blackness, and visions of a liberated future. This event comes with an age recommendation for those 15 and above, and due to limited seating, advance registration is encouraged. According to an announcement on AustinTexas.gov, Brown is a proud queer Texan whose poetry resonates with multifaceted narratives of identity and power.
The following week, on June 12, 'Behind the Zines' will immerse participants in the queer-rooted art of zine-making. With artists guiding attendees through the process, the workshop hopes to empower self-expression and celebrate a form of media that has historically been a mouthpiece for marginalized voices. It's a hands-on experience designed to connect attendees with an integral part of LGBTQIA+ history and cultural expression.
And to close out the month on June 26, DAC Nights invites attendees to "Mend Mania," a night dedicated to craftivism and sustainability. Guest instructor Cidnye Stott will join the DAC staff to teach the ins and outs of needlepoint — an activity them. magazine hails as "likely the campiest art form in human history." As stated on the DAC's website, these sessions tie into broader conversations about creativity and environmental consciousness.
For Austinites and out-of-town visitors alike, these curated DAC Nights exemplify the city's commitment to inclusivity and its embrace of the LGBTQIA+ community. Anyone looking for more information or interested in reserving their spot can do so by visiting the official event page online.
