Spring Performances & Events!
MIO’s creative ensemble rehearses for a new performance to debut at our upcoming Festival on June 19 in Lewiston’s Kennedy Park.
In Portland, 7th grade artists at King Middle School are frozen in a silent group sculpture that is pulsing with energy. In Charleston, incarcerated artists at Mountain View Correctional Facility are creating soul trains of sound and motion that fills the visiting room with laughter. In Lewiston, MIO’s creative ensemble are moving, dancing, leading, and following each other all around our site. Partners from the community are gathering with us to break bread, play theater games, and plan a festival. The statewide group of system-impacted community artists are sitting in a circle, sharing support, and writing to the rhythm of “streets and heartbeats.”
Spring is here and MIO’s creative process is in full swing. These are the moments when groups of artists and collaborators turn to face each other in deep connection and trust for one another and for the creative process that is unfolding between them. Soon these circles will open up into performances, street parades, and block parties. You are invited to join us in these magical, live moments when performers and audience members meet as co-creators of an encounter that can only happen once.
"Break The Pattern Today or The Loop Will Continue" is an original play created by 7th grade artists that addresses the hard parts of school: friendship, challenging moments with teachers, and feelings of betrayal.
Monday, May 13 at 5pm at King Middle School
92 Deering Avenue, Portland.
"Stressful Situations" is an original play created by 7th grade artists that expresses how conflict can become physical and what it's like to be a bystander.
Wednesday, May 15 at 5pm at King Middle School
92 Deering Avenue, Portland.
“Streets & Heartbeats” is a community open mic featuring Andre Hicks and MIO community artists. Community members are invited to perform! All ages welcome and substance free.
The open mic is the kickoff event for MIO’s Spring festival in Lewiston called “The City That Carries Us: Pain, Streets, and Heartbeats.”
Wednesday, May 22 at 5:30pm at L/A Arts at 168 Lisbon St Lewiston, ME.
Join us at Mountain View Correctional Facility for a new original performance by a group of incarcerated artists. The performance will be followed by a dialogue with the play creators and a dinner reception.
Friday, June 7 at 3pm at Mountain View Correctional Facility 1182 Dover Rd Charleston, ME.
RSVP required to attend the play performance. Please email Morgan to RSVP by May 17.
The festival will be an expression of the joys, struggles, and strength of Lewiston and celebrate the power of art and community to bring us together in joy and in pain. The free event will include a parade, performances, public art, family activities, music, food, and more.
Wednesday, June 19 from 12pm to 8pm. Starting at the Public Theater, we will parade at 3pm to Kennedy Park for a block party.
All of MIO’s spring events are accessible for people with disabilities. Please contact us at admin@maineinsideout.org if you need any specific accommodations in order to participate.
Support MIO's Spring Festival!
Thank you to all of our Lewiston community members, coalition partners, and sponsors for working with MIO on our public art festival. We can’t wait for our events in May and June to share art, food, and community, and to celebrate the joys, struggles, strength, and beauty of Lewiston.
“The City That Carries Us: Pain, Streets, and Heartbeats” will be presented in partnership with the City of Lewiston, and with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and other charitable donations.
We would love to have your support too if you are able to contribute!
To make a gift today, visit https://www.maineinsideout.org/donatehere.
To learn more about becoming a coalition partner or sponsor, send us a message at admin@maineinsideout.org
For festival dates and details, visit https://www.maineinsideout.org/miofestival