Text by CLOT Magazine
TUF is a Seattle-based electronic media collective that uplifts marginalized folks, including people of colour, women, queer, trans, and gender nonconforming identities. By creating spaces to connect and collaborate, TUF challenges mainstream white-cis-male dominant power structures that exist within the world of electronic art and music.
The third annual TUF FEST brings together art installations, workshops, performers and vendors in Seattle’s Judkins Park and at the Northwest African American Museum. The all-day event is free and open to all ages, aligning with TUF’s commitment to accessibility and expanded youth programming. The music lineup features artists across genres and scenes, spanning dreamy synth vocalists and the frenetic energy of Baltimore Club. Enjoy dark electronic soundscapes by TUF member Nightspace and sparse techno beats by SCYLLA, Oryx White’s latest project.
Visual artists will bring an expansive selection of cross-disciplinary projects and collaborations. Khadija Ann Tarver draws upon her environmental studies background to create intimate site-specific installations, and local dance choreographer Allison PB and artist Sierra RH partnered to create an experimental film for TUF FEST.
From hands-on technical workshops to thoughtful discussions, this year’s speakers bring insights on topics including body positivity, queer archiving and electronic music gear tutorials. Local DJ Rachel Glasgow will lead a workshop on using modular and hardware synthesizers, Pittsburgh Queer History Project co-founder Harrison Apple will teach the basics of community archiving, and eco-radical feminist artist Coley Mixan will introduce the practice of soundwalking through listening exercises and participatory dialogue.
In Seattle, a rapidly growing city becoming unaffordable for many creative communities, TUF provides much-needed opportunities for emerging artists. With a lineup full of dynamic performances and radical programming in an inclusive and welcoming space, TUF FEST is sure to be a highlight of your summer.
More into at https://www.facebook.com/events/1630382050349309.