What do you think is art’s impact on society?
We believe that art is a critical part of our community’s culture and a foundation for belonging.
At The 418 Project, our mission is to support emerging artists and diverse communities to create a safer, more inclusive world—a world where all people feel they belong.
Just like contributing artist, Aaron says here, we want more people making, performing, and viewing art because art has the power to transform everyone involved.
Whether you’re attending a class, volunteering, or supporting through donations, you’re helping us keep art accessible to all. Let’s continue building a Santa Cruz that values creativity, connection, and community for everyone.
Join our Year-End Drive to support this mission and ensure art remains a lasting force in Santa Cruz. Every contribution helps. Tap the link in our bio to get involved.
Dual Demons is back with another variety show at the 418 Project!🚀🌜Gaylactic Odyssey Science Fiction Queer Variety Show 💫🪐Nov. 15th -16th Preshow at 7pmDoors at 8pmThe nefarious Moms for Normalcy have developed a powerful device that threatens to erase Queerness from every corner of the multiverse. But fear not— Captain Loindexter is assembling the ultimate dream team—the Guardians of the Gaylaxy. With their extraordinary talents and your Queer energy, we’re going to overload the device and shut down the Moms’ dull agenda once and for all. From the dunes of Arrakis to the rainforests of Endor, across the galaxies to Ego and Pandora, join the fight in this thrilling, star-studded show full of action, glitter, and cosmic camp!Enjoy being in community while you witness jaw-dropping displays of drag, burlesque, shibari, and circus. Come early to shop local Queer vendors and get yourself a little treat for the long journey ahead! Tickets are on a sliding scale and available now! Grab yours at https://forbiddentickets.com/events/dual-demons/2024-11-15-gaylactic-odyssey?code=Demons
Are you ready for your close-up? Dive into the glamorous world of the 1940s, embrace the intrigue of crime mysteries, and experience the thrill of a film set! We’re inviting YOU to be an extra in our original noir mystery thriller, *Who Killed Simon Braggart?*
📅 Date: Sunday, September 29th
⏰ Time: 12 - 4 PM
📍 Location: The 418 Project, 155 South River Street, Santa Cruz
Step back in time and join us on set for an unforgettable afternoon where you’ll interact with the stars, enjoy live music, and revel in the atmosphere of a 1940s film premiere. Don your best 1940s attire, mingle at our vintage bar, and add your unique flair to our crowd scenes.
🌟 We’re Looking For:
- Enthusiasts of cosplay and 1940s glamour
- Individuals who enjoy being part of a creative community
- Fans of film and theater, especially mysteries and thrillers
How to Participate:
To join the cast as an extra, please send a photo of yourself in your 1940s movie premiere attire to our Artistic Director, Laura Bishop. Gender queer interpretations, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals are highly encouraged to apply.
📧 Send Your Application to: [email protected]
Include your email and phone number for follow-up.
Perks:
- Enjoy light refreshments on set
- Receive a pair of exclusive tickets to our final dress rehearsal on October 16 to be amongst the first to see the live production of Who Killed Simon Braggart
We value diversity and welcome folks of all body types, ages, genders, and abilities. Gather your friends for a day full of drama, style, and fun!
Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of movie magic. See you on set!
At The 418 Project, we believe in the transformative power of movement arts. Through dance, movement, and expressive arts, we provide a space where individuals can heal, connect with their spirit, and find a sense of safety. For over 30 years we’ve been committed to offering these opportunities to the community at affordable rates and supporting local artists to share their work.Our impact goes beyond just providing a space for movement; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and connection. As one of our longtime donors, Margo shared, "The concept of movement as a way to express, clear, heal, and truly connect with my spirit is vitally important to me."At The 418 Project, we've seen countless individuals explore their identities, expand their thinking, and embrace parts of themselves they may have never met. Movement is one of those art forms that creates such an experience.We’d love to know what programs and classes have impacted you the most! Tell us in the comments
We make it work, but you can help us thrive!
We love dancing in our beautiful permanent home! What would make it better is for ALL dancers to be able to see themselves as we learn our steps. Help us raise money to purchase Mylar mirrors so we can have an even better time moving together.
The 418 Project is launching a GoFundMe campaign with the goal of raising #3,500 to purchase 4 new Mylar mirrors for the lobby dance floor. These mirrors are essential for our practices, performances, and community classes.
We believe in the power of unity and collaboration, which is why we're reaching out to our community to join forces and support our dancers and the arts in Santa Cruz. Together, we can spread the word and make this campaign a resounding success.
Here's how you can get involved:
Donate: Every contribution, big or small, will bring us closer to our goal. Visit the GoFundMe page in @the418project bio to make your donation. All donations of $20 or more receive an invitation to our Thank You Party. Act now and make our home brighter for all.
Spread the Word: Share the campaign on your social media channels and with your friends! Every donation counts, so let’s harness the power of community to reach as many people as possible.
By contributing to this campaign, you'll not only support these upgrades to our dance environment, but you'll also gain access to the Bright Reflections Thank You Party, where we'll celebrate our collective efforts and love for dance. Stay tuned for the date!
Your participation and support mean the world to us, and together, we can create brighter reflections and elevate our dance experiences at The 418 Project.
Let’s celebrate PRIDE, Santa Cruz 🌈As we kick off Pride Month, we celebrate love, diversity, and the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community of artists here at The 418 Project. 🏳️🌈 This is a time to honor the resilience, courage, and history of LGBTQIA+ individuals, both past and present, who have paved the way for progress and acceptance. And this month, there’s lots of opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate together. At The 418 Project, we stand proudly with our LGBTQIA+ friends, family, and community members. 🌟 We believe in creating a space where everyone feels welcomed, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. Throughout the month, we'll be hosting a variety of events, workshops, and performances that showcase the talent, creativity, and stories of the LGBTQIA+ community. On June 8th & 9th we’re partnering with Dual Demons for the first ever K!nk at Pride Convention. We’re kicking off Pride mont with all Queer and Queer-allied educators bringing shibari, k!nk, BDSM, Queer history, movement, dance, lectures, workshops, and much more.And on June 25th we’ll be hosting our 2nd annual Prideteenth event, spearheaded by Da’John DeWitt that is a recognition and celebration of bipoc and LGBT history & solidarity throughout time. Join us as we come together to spread love, promote equality, and uplift the voices of those in the LGBTQIA+ community. 🌈 Let's make this Pride Month a celebration of love, acceptance, and unity! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
What kind of place is The 418 Project to you?
For over 30 years, we’ve been up to big things in Santa Cruz. One of our goals is for you find YOUR place.
Maybe you want to learn, lead, and create?
Maybe you want to get involved, volunteer, and find purpose?
Perhaps you want to get inspired, learn something new, and meet people you’d have never run into in town.
Whatever it is you’re searching for, we want to help you find it. Send us a message if you’re looking for some guidance, want to get involved, or want to hear about upcoming events. We’re here to support you!
Displaced by downtown redevelopment in 2016, The 418 Project faced a pivotal moment. But with unwavering community support, we rose stronger than ever.
In the midst of the Covid pandemic in 2021, we proudly purchased our permanent home—a testament to our resilience and commitment to creating a more inclusive world. Our 20,000 square-foot adaptive space, nestled in Downtown Santa Cruz at 155 S River Street, is more than just a building—it's a sanctuary for artists and dreamers alike. ✨
Here, creativity flourishes, and voices are amplified. Our vibrant community brings together dancers, musicians, performers, and visionaries from all walks of life, united by a shared passion for art and a belief in the power of inclusivity.
Join us in celebrating our journey and the endless possibilities that await in our new, permanent home.
Do you consider yourself an artist?If you’ve ever believed that YOU can’t make it as an artist because of who you are, we want to challenge that belief.There are no limits on who can be an artist – just limits on our thinking and societal conditioning.Let’s challenge the assumptions on WHO or WHAT is worthy of being seen.Join us at the 418 Project at the Dragon’s Gate in Santa Cruz, California and let your inner artist come to life.
