A Space Inside: Uplifting Marginalized Creative Voices With an Open Mic

The transformative healing arts studio A Space Inside recently hosted an open mic at River Seattle, hosted by Deaunte Damper, where local artists and marginalized creative voices could find solace and safety in the community’s undying support. Despite closing its doors earlier this year, A Space Inside’s permeates through the people it has touched, remaining a vital community hub for healing, expression, and unwavering support. 

Attendees and performers at the open mic revealed a profound consensus on A Space Inside’s critical role in their lives. From shedding light on difficult truths to offering a consistent sense of belonging, Inside is celebrated as an accepting environment for the voices of the unheard. 

For many, the defining characteristic of Inside is its sanctuary-esque feeling. For artist Cassie Karch, Inside is family, and a place where she feels welcome and experiences profound love. “Inside gave me a voice. Inside helped me find my courage to speak, my courage to write, my courage to perform,” she said. 

Abigail Echo-Hawk, an Indigenous community leader and artist, highlighted the rarity and importance of A Space Inside. "This space has given what I haven’t had before. That is the opportunity to breathe Indigenous truth, to talk about Indigenous justice and to have a space of support," she said. 

The experience is equally powerful for Black attendees; artist Yasmeen described A Space Inside as a relentless place of support for the Black community. “As a Black woman, we don’t always get that. And so these spaces that are safe for us to share our stories and come together in community are imperative for our healing,” she said. 

For Yasmeen, Inside’s upliftment extended to a life-changing milestone. "[Inside] has helped me keep my sobriety... I'm celebrating three years. And I owe that to Inside because each and every time I come here, no matter how hard it is, they encourage me to keep going,” she said.

Beyond the stage, the warmth of the community and its leaders is what keeps people returning. 

Artist Alejandro Snead summarized the night with excitement.  

"Tonight was everything,” he said. “As simple and cliché as it is, we back. And action is what we’re on.” 

To keep up with A Space Inside’s upcoming events, visit aspaceinside.com. 

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

Did you enjoy this blog post? Then consider donating to Converge and supporting our mission here.