PROGRAMS
Intimate Conversations
Intimate Conversations is a must-listen podcast created by dani tirrell, the Artistic Director of Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas, in collaboration with the CD Forum production team. It follows the trend of many popular live-streamed interviews available today but with a unique focus on discussing topics crucial to the Black community in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Through engaging discussions with artists, educators, historians, and community leaders, Intimate Conversations delves into pressing issues such as politics, health, pop culture, and daily life in the PNW. This podcast promises to be thought-provoking, insightful, and informative.
To make the experience even more enriching, Intimate Conversations encourages audience interaction through Facebook and YouTube. This is your chance to participate in the conversation and contribute to the discourse.
Don't miss this unique and important opportunity to gain valuable insights and perspectives from the voices that matter. Tune in to Intimate Conversations today!
Happy Hour
A CD Forum Happy Hour is a laid-back social event where supporters, artists, community members, and those curious can mingle with CD Forum and our team. Our Happy Hours have covered various topics, from fashion and healing to community and laughter.
The Happy Hour series was launched in 2023 and will continue to be a part of our current programming, focusing on the Ideas section of CD Forum. During our time together, we provide food, drinks, and great conversation with the guests in attendance. It is important for CD Forum to create programming that brings together social issues and community joy.
As we move forward with new leadership and renewed purpose, we are eager to expand our Happy Hours beyond the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute and explore other venues in and around the Central District. We are particularly interested in hosting a Happy Hour at businesses created and run by Black individuals with a focus on women, femmes, and those in the LGBTQIA+ Community.
These Happy Hours take place 4 times a year and focus on a singular topic with invited guests sharing their experiences and expertise on the selected topic.
Hold That Pose for Me
In partnership with SWACE Health, Hold That Pose for Me is a mini ballroom competition and health education series to educate QTBIPOC youth and young adults about ballroom history, culture, and health resources. the series will allow community members ages 13-24 to compete in mini balls that will present a variety of categories to promote inclusivity and build confidence.
Community members will compete in various categories and learn the history of these categories in educational sessions before the competition, facilitated by SeaTac Ballroom Alliance members who are experts within those respected categories. They will also be educated on HIV prevention and treatment options local community-based organizations offer.
This project will feature the arts and culture of the ballroom community, introducing many millennials to ballroom history that reflects and impacts the Kiki Ballroom Scene of the present. The art of dance, fashion design, creative direction, music composition, and sound engineering will allow many community members to become well-versed in putting on a ballroom event, capacity building, and healthcare messaging.