What’s Cooking at MAM?

We are thrilled to share some of the incredible initiatives we’ve been working on at the Modesto Artists Movement to foster creativity and build our artistic community. The energy and enthusiasm from our team, partners, ambassadors, and supporters are palpable. It's an exciting time for the arts in Modesto!

AUGUST

This August we already hosted a sold-out Poetry Night and Haiku Battle, but that was just the beginning of our very exciting fall!

**Supporting the Downtown Streets Team** (10/29, 11am)

Our commitment to writing as wellness remains strong! We are working with the Downtown Streets Team, an award-winning homeless recovery program, to provide writing workshops every fourth Thursday. These workshops offer a safe space for self-expression and healing, and we’re honored to contribute to this important cause.

September

**Off The Air** @ Greens on Tenth (9/7, 8pm)

We are elated to support Off The Air music shows! This month features Damien Jurado and Lilly Miller who are teaming up for an unforgettable night of music brought to you by OFF THE AIR Presents and with some extra power from Shire Arts Collective. We are pinching ourselves that this venerable music series is experiencing a resurgence in downtown Modesto. Come enjoy the indie vibes and experience this live music show in person!

**Write Night** @ LoFi (9/11, 6-9pm)

On the 2nd Wednesday in September, we are back at Lo Fidelity Labs for Write Night, a free, community creative writing class designed to inspire, and uplift. Our mission is simple: to write, share, reflect, and connect in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Join us for a great time and/or start or revitalize your writing journey!

**Teacher / Artist Mixer with SCOE** (9/19 @ LoFi Diner, 6pm)

We’re also pleased to announce a new partnership with the Stanislaus County Office of Education. Together, we’re coordinating a mixer for artists interested in teaching in schools and in the community. This will be a fantastic opportunity for artists to network, learn about teaching opportunities, and explore ways to share their talents with the next generation. For more details, be sure to follow us on all of our socials!

OCTOBER

**Poetry Slam Camp**

This October, we’re launching our first-ever Poetry Slam Camp at Intermission at The State Theatre. This teen Poetry Slam camp will culminate in a public reading, giving young poets a platform to express their voices. We’re even looking at the possibility of forming a Poetry Slam team, which could become a cornerstone of our literary arts programming. Guest presenters will include City of Modesto Poet Laureate Angela Drew and Berkeley Poetry Slam Co-Grand Champion, Julian Blackmon, the Protected Poet! For more information, click here.

**Koala Camp: Beat-Making for All Ages**

Thanks to grant funding from the Stanislaus Arts Council, we are also introducing Koala Camp—a beat-making camp for all ages using the Koala Sampler app, the ultimate pocket-sized sampler that allows users to record, create beats, add effects, and make tracks. Whether you’re a seasoned DJ or a complete beginner, this camp is designed to be a fun, interactive way to learn the art of sampling and beatmaking. It’s all about hands-on experience, creativity, and community. Email us here for more information. 

**Cameras and Cocktails" @ LoFi (10/3, 7-11pm)
We are excited to support Cameras & Cocktails, which is not just a photo series; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the raw, unfiltered truth captured through the lens. This unique event brings together photographers from all walks of life, inviting them to submit their work around specific themes or styles . . . and there’s cocktails! Amateur and professional photographers are always welcome. This is always an energetic and exciting night of moments captured through a lens. Come share the joy.

**Freak the Funk Breakdancing Battle & Roller Skate Show** (10/4, 6pm)

In October, we’re co-sponsoring "Freak the Funk," a breakdancing battle and roller skate show during the final First Friday in October in collaboration with the Downtown Modesto Partnership (DOMO). This event will bring together the best of Modesto’s hiphop and street culture in an electrifying showcase of talent, movement, and creativity.

**Fundraising with the Juline Foundation for Children** @ Zinc House (10/25, 6pm)

We are especially excited to cohost our first major fundraiser alongside the Juline Foundation for Children at the beautiful Zinc House in Escalon. This event promises to be an exquisite evening of live art, poetry and dance performances, catered dining, and special guests– bringing together art lovers and philanthropists to support our united mission of nurturing the next generation of great artists. Tickets will be on sale soon!

COMING SOON

**Little Lyricists’ Lounge: Hip-Hop Storytime for Kids**

We are collaborating with the Modesto Children’s Museum to launch Little Lyricists’ Lounge, a hip-hop storytime for kids. This program will feature an emcee, a DJ, and a hip-hop storybook, creating a dynamic and engaging reading and dance party for young children. It’s all about making literacy fun and accessible through the power of hip hop! Adidas pants and bucket hats not required . . . but wouldn't that be the cutest thing ever!? Details and date coming soon!

**Music Video Challenge**

The Modesto Artists Movement and Central Valley Film Project with the support of the Modesto Area Music Awards are excited to announce a unique opportunity for local musicians. We will be hosting a music video challenge where one talented act will win a fully produced music video, created in collaboration with local filmmakers. The winning video will be distributed across all our social media channels, including the ModestoView, Modesto Artists Movement, Central Valley Film Project, and more. Stay tuned for more details!

**November Beat Battle (11/16 @ The State Theatre) & December ILL LIST Poetry Slam (12/14 @ State Theatre)

We are excited to bring back the amazing Beat Battle at The State Theatre. This event will see 16 beatmakers go head-to-head in a fierce competition, showcasing the best beats Modesto has to offer. And to close out the year, we’ll be presenting the ILL LIST Poetry Slam, an 18-year sellout poetry slam event that has become a staple of spoken word in our community and in the country.

Anything else?

**$250 Kickstarter Grants for Artists**

In addition to all these events, we are proud to announce that we are giving away multiple $250 kickstarter grants to artists from Modesto or artists who are creating art in Modesto. These grants are our way of investing in the creative future of our city, providing emerging artists with the resources they need to start or complete their projects. We look forward to fundraising to support larger grant awards.

The Modesto Artists Movement is more than just a collection of events—it’s a thriving community of artists dedicated to supporting and celebrating the arts and arts education. We’re honored to be champions of this movement, and we can’t wait to see how it continues to grow. 

If you would like to support our work, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution here. 

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!