In a new partnership between LEAF and the YMI Cultural Center, we are excited to announce REIMAGINE 2020! This event will take place virtually and in small scale in-person format on October 3-4, 2020. This year has been different for everyone but it is not over yet and we can still reimagine 2020. As the local community and the world advocate for sustainable equity, the presence and necessity of art is undeniable. Both LEAF and the YMI aim to be conduits for change, inspiration, and cultural preservation. “REIMAGINE” is not only a chance for the community to see the vibrancy of The Block, but it is also a fundraising effort to sustain both organizations as the pandemic continues to create fiscal challenges. Both organizations use events to create revenue streams that fund community outreach and have experienced a financial loss because of the current restrictions. REIMAGINE 2020 aims to bring much-needed attention and funds to The Block in an effort to sustain all of the business of the area and to promote the communities of color that exist there.
All in-person events will follow CDC, North Carolina, and Buncombe County guidelines and have been approved by the City of Asheville. REIMAGINE welcomes the Asheville community to come together digitally and at a social-distance to experience entertainment, discussion, culture, and discover community resources. Throughout their storied histories, both LEAF Global Arts and the YMI Cultural Center have hosted global talents and transformative experiences that bring diversity, artistic excellence, and culture to the Asheville community. The two organizations remain committed to creating pathways to equity, elevating underrepresented voices, and celebrating cultural art.