Interview With Naomi Reagan of HeART to Help Japan

When: Friday, April 8th, 9pm-12:30am

Where: El Rio (3158 Mission St., SF, CA)

RSVP & invite your friends: Official invite

Tickets: $5-500, Sliding Scale at the door.

1.) How did HeART To Help Japan come to be?

This all started as an idea amongst friends wanting to find ways to help and to heal as a community. While waiting to hear back from family and loved ones in Japan, myself and many friends here were desperate to find something positive and constructive with which we could focus our energies. Sending what money each of us could as individuals just didn't seem like enough. Our hearts ached to do more.

As someone who aspires to work and play where art meets activism, it seemed second nature to ask what we as artists could do to leverage our talents and community resources. (In fact, a large part of why I choose to live in the Bay Area is because of the vibrant community of art and activism that thrives here.) So, I began reaching out to friends and fellow artists to find out how our community was responding to this tragedy. I initially inquired about ways to volunteer or facilitate efforts that were already underway. But, I found myself quickly overwhelmed by the number of responses from artists saying, "I don't know what's being planned, but that's a great idea. Count me in!" One of the first people I thought to reach out to was Jay Trainer and the folks at Artfulchange. When the Jay Trainer Band pledged a performance, I knew that we could make this happen. Having Artfulchange offer to sponsor this event is what made this idea amongst friends a reality.

2) What are you hoping to accomplish now and in the future? and why?

As part of the initial vision I had, my goal with HeART to Help was two-fold. First and foremost, we are raising funds to assist with the initial relief and recovery efforts in Japan. But another key component of this event is about creating space for the community to come together to support each other, to heal and to celebrate the power of how our collective hope unites us.

In terms of the future, sustained support of relief and rebuilding efforts is crucial in the wake of tragic events like this. Given the scope of Japan's needs there's already been discussion about rallying together for another event in a few months time. In fact, several artists have already pledged their support. As a collective of artists, I hope we can continue to leverage our talents to inspire others in a truly meaningful way. 

3) How has it been working with Artfulchange?

It's always a blessing to work with people who share the same vision of creating a better world and utilizing the arts as a catalyst. Throughout the planning of this event, Artfulchange has been an invaluable source of  inspiration and support. From posters to logistical planning and words of encouragement, they've provided a vehicle to make this vision a reality.

Having been inspired by Artfulchange since I first moved to the Bay Area in 2008, I've always had an admiration for their work. But the opportunity to collaborate with them on this event has deepened my respect and furthered my appreciation for the role they play in inspiring hope and initiative in the community. It's exciting to have experienced first hand how infectious their powerful vision is and how willing they are to support anyone who asks the question "How can I help?"

4) What has the reaction been from the local community regarding your efforts?

The response has been and still is overwhelming. I have been floored by the outpouring of compassion from this community.  What started as a conversation and call to action amongst a few friends and artists quickly grew into something much larger than any one of us could have imagined. Tap-dancing, hip hop, spoken word, soul music, comedy, body painting, classical piano, photography, belly-dancing, jewelry, paintings and so many other offerings of love and hope for Japan, from artists all over the Bay Area, have been piling up in my inbox and voicemail as pledges to the cause. It's been a beautiful and inspiring thing to see people coming together as one. As a result, many of the tears I've shed these past few weeks have also been tears of joy and gratitude. This community really is coming together to muster up all the hope and love we can send to our brothers and sisters in Japan.

5) How can people help support what you all are doing?

We invite the community to join us Friday night at El Rio for a silent auction and evening of live music, spoken word and comedy. Folks can mingle with local artists, support their work and know that 100% of every dollar given will be donated to help citizens in the most devasted areas of Japan. 100% of the proceeds from the event will go to JCCCNC's Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. So, even if you can't make it to the show, you can donate directly through http://www.jcccnc.org/

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