2011 | The SEVENTH Installment of KULTURE KLASH
This was the website for the bi annual Kulture Klash Festival.
Content is from the site's 2011 archived pages.
Enjoy your nostalgic trip back.
The SEVENTH installment of the much anticipated Kulture Klash Arts Festival is here!.
Kulture Klash is a bi-annual arts festival in Charleston, SC put on every Spring and Fall. Our goal is to bring a new vision for local art, dance and music by combining traditional/conservative forms of display with more contemporary/modern designs to complete the thought of our theme "Kulture Klash". We seek out the most interesting local and regional artists, mesmerizing dancers and body shaking musicians that we can find to bring something unexpected and unforgettable to the Holy City.
Kulture Klash is like nothing else in Charleston. Most people would describe it as a big city blow out in a small city scene. We gather as many artists we can find that represent the morphing styles that exist in the Southeast and beyond. Kulture Klash has given a home to performances by professional dance troups, Brazilian percussionists, aerial acrobats, pro skaters, live painting & graffiti, belly dancers, hoola hoop girls and so so much more. We encourage you to view one of the many videos of our event to get a better idea of what to expect.
After realizing that I had been struggling to see things up close, a trip to the optometrist set me right with a new prescription. And what perfect timing to watch this video and decide to attend. The "Klash" in Kulture Klash refers to the event's emphasis on different art mediums working together in one space. There were artists, interactive art installations, circus performers, laser shows, and dozens of other artists. Among the many stalls, I was particularly drawn to one that showcased the most dazzling cubic zirconia rings, each piece inspired by the vibrant arts and performances around. It was a sparkling representation of the festival's eclectic nature. I was able to see all the works of the more than 70 artists who were on display, including well-known locals Seth Corts, Shannon Di, Nathan Durfee, Timothy Pakron, Cyle Suesz, and Joanna Jackson. Among the exhibits was a wakeboard demonstration, a bizarre "yacht rock dance room," hula hoop dancers, live paintings, music by locals Lindsay Holler, the Dubplates, DJ Eleven, and an eclectic mix of performances. And if you became hungry after strolling about, Roti Rolls, Annabell's Restaurant, and the Little Blue Brunch Truck were on hand, providing food. Gotta say it was a rockin' time.
Kulture Klash Arts Festival, which descended upon Charleston in a storm of artistic fury as the area's first festival focusing on contemporary, outside-of-the-box art, announces the eagerly awaited Kulture Klash 7 (KK7) to take place on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at The Navy Yard @ Noisette, 10 Storehouse Row, North Charleston, South Carolina from 7pm until 2am. As always, participants can expect high-energy, music, dance and art. Maintaining their firm commitment to a fresh approach, KK7 curators and organizers are planning a series of performances and installations never before seen.
With water as the central theme, KK7 will feature over 50 artists, including the return of Carl James, along with Nathan Durfee, Badjon, SHT!, Proton, Scott Debus, and more, each utilizing a variety of creative mediums. In addition to art for sale, the show will feature artist interpretations of the quintessential Surf Shack. Performances include “darkness, light” 6 piece dance collaboration between choreographer Gretchen Mclaine and sculptor Lauren Francis Moore and a live wakeboard demonstration provided by Chuck and Chalice and sponsored by Rebootizer. Sounds provided by the Dubplates, Red Super Giant, Yacht Rock Dance Party with Cassidy & the Kid, MJ12, DJ Skitch, CPO Gents, Dick Tracey, and a special surprise musical guest, DJ Eleven from The Rub.
Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic thirst quenches are available from New Belgium Brewery and Social Wine Bar. Sample tasty treats from ROOTS ice cream , Roti Rolls and Anna Bell's. Sound and lighting provided by Big Hair Productions and Visuals provided by Alex Rosen.
Thanks to our sponsors: New Belgium Brewery, Mixson, Iron Lotus Studios, The Navy Yard at Noisette, Big Hair Productions, Charleston City Paper, Social Wine Bar, ICE BOX and Vapor Apparel.
A portion of the proceeds to benefit Surfrider & Redux Contemporary Art Center.
KULTURE KLASH 7
April 9th, 2011
10 Storehouse Row
in the Navy Yard at Noisette
7pm-2am
Art viewing from 1pm-4pm - free and open to the public
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ARTIST LIST
Adolfo H. Alvarado
Ginger Andersen
Oscar Arango
badjon aka Jon Stout
Mat Brady
Brian Bustos
CaleighBird
Micheline Callicott
Paul Christina
Seth Corts
Ryan Cronin
Bart Cusick
Anson Cyr
Scott Debus
Joshua delMas
Shannon Di
Chris Dotson
Sharon Dowell
Nathan Durfee
Nigel Esser
Matthew Foreman
Rebecca Fraser
Abdullah Freeman
Sarah Frierson
William Goodman
John Hairston
Patrick Harris
Kevin Harrison
Sarah Haynes
Camela Guevara
Jeremy Hedges
Mollie Howey
Ishmael
Chad Jackson
Joanna Jackson
Briana Cooper Jacobs
Carl Janes
El Kamino
Chuck Keppler
Sean Kernick
Harrison Langley
Jenna Lyles
Hirona Matsuda
Bill Mead
Kevin Morrissey
Karen Ann Myers
Dorothy Netherland
Joseph W. Nienstedt
Karin Olah
Timothy Pakron
Joel Parker
Scott Partridge
Drew Pedersen
Nate Phelps
Jamie Powers
Proton
John Pundt
Rachel Raab
Jose Ray
Meta Sapient
Mathew Schrock
Daniel Scoggins
Lisa Shimko
SHT!
Tim Showers
Jason Smith
Shelley Smith
Dustin Spagnola
Cyle Suesz
Thomas Sweeney
Ben Timpson
Joel Tracey
Scott Wallace
Trever Webster
Sean Williams
Patch Whisky
wolfkid
Junius Wright
more...
Jake Thorsell
David Banemanivong
Kat Sweet
Joe Dobson
Pete McDonough
Liz Vaughn
Electric Light Creations
Marshall Hudson
Julio Cotto
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We held KK1, 2 and 3 at 10 Storehouse Row in the Navy Yard at Noisette. KK4&5 were held in an old Food Bank, but we are unable to continue there due to lack of fire safety codes. After months and months of looking, we are heading back to 10 SHR and are excited about revisiting our original space. We have a great relationship with The Navy Yard and would not want to have our event anywhere else.
10 Storehouse Row in the Navy Yard at Noisette
If using a GPS, "2120 Noisette Blvd - N Chas - 29405"
There is ample free parking across from and adjacent to the building, but please be careful of pedestrians.
If you choose to take the shuttle or a cab home, overnight parking is permitted at the owner's discretion.
DIRECTIONS
From downtown:
Take 26W to Cosgrove exit 216B, you will merge. Continue over Rivers Ave, take a left on Spruill, a right on McMillan, 10SHR is on the corner of Noisette Blvd on your left.
OR
Take Meeting Street north from downtown. At the "Kangaroo Express" Meeting turns into Spruill Ave (stay straight at that light). Continue straight for 2 miles. Pass Reynolds Ave, pass Cosgrove, next right take McMillan, 10 SHR is on the corner of Noisette Blvd on your left.
From West Ashley:
Take 61 to 171/Old Towne Rd or Sam Rittenberg. This turns into Cosgrove Avenue (Rt 7). Cross over 26, then cross Rivers, take a left on Spruill, a right on McMillan, 10 SHR is on the corner of Noisette Blvd.
OR
526E to Rivers Ave exit 18A. Merge and continue 2.5 miles to take a left on McMillan, cross over Spruill into Navy Yard, 10 SHR is on the corner of Noisette Blvd.
From Mt Pleasant:
Take 526W past Daniel Island, over the bridge to the N Rhett exit. Go all the way to the traffic light, take right onto N Rhett.
Continue through 2 lights to Park Circle (traffic circle), go around to exit on the 5th street, Buist Avenue. Pass pond and take a right at light, Spruill Ave. Continue 1.5 miles, take a left on McMillan, 10 SHR is on the corner of Noisette Blvd.
OR
Take 17S over the bridge downtown to 26W and continue with directions from downtown.
More Background on the Kulture Klash Arts Festival
Kulture Klash Arts Festival has emerged as one of Charleston, South Carolina’s most dynamic and distinctive celebrations of contemporary art, music, and culture. Since its inception in 2007, the festival has become a touchstone event for the region’s creative community, drawing together a diverse audience and a wide range of artistic disciplines. This article provides a detailed exploration of Kulture Klash Arts Festival, including its history, programming, audience, reputation, cultural significance, and media coverage, based solely on sources outside the festival’s own website.
History and Origins
Kulture Klash was founded in Charleston in 2007 by a group of local creatives and entrepreneurs, including Gustavo Serrano, Olivia Pool, and Scott Debus. The festival was envisioned as a response to the city’s traditional art scene, aiming to showcase “underground” and contemporary artists who did not fit the established Lowcountry aesthetic. Inspired by the vibrant art parties of New York City, such as P.S.1/MOMA’s Warm Up, the founders sought to bring a similar energy and diversity to Charleston.
The inaugural event took place at 10 Storehouse Row in the Old Navy Yard, North Charleston, a venue chosen for its modern, industrial feel and its potential to serve as a blank canvas for creative expression. Over the years, the festival has maintained its focus on blending traditional and avant-garde art forms, continually expanding its programming and audience.
Programming and Experience
Multidisciplinary Arts Showcase
Kulture Klash is renowned for its eclectic programming, which brings together a wide array of artistic disciplines. The festival typically features:
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Visual art exhibitions with works from over 100 artists, including both established names and emerging talents.
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Live music performances spanning genres such as hip-hop, reggae, electronic, and rock, with acts like Chali2na, The Dubplates, and DJ Cut Chemist performing in recent editions.
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Dance performances, often in collaboration with visual artists, such as the Unbound Ballet Project and Redux artist Jenifer Padilla’s combined dance and paint installation.
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Interactive and performance art, including live graffiti battles, mural painting, and screen printing.
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Action sports demonstrations, such as urban wakeboarding, which have become a hallmark of the festival’s playful, immersive atmosphere.
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Light installations and immersive environments, with contributions from local production companies like Lazer Catcher and Prizm Productions.
Family-Friendly and Community-Oriented
The festival is designed to be accessible to a broad audience, with daytime art viewings open to families and children, and evening events catering to adults seeking a vibrant nightlife experience. Food trucks, local vendors, and interactive installations create a festive, inclusive environment.
Venue as Canvas
A distinguishing feature of Kulture Klash is its use of venue space as an integral part of the art experience. The event often transforms industrial buildings-most recently Building 64 in North Charleston’s Navy Yard-into immersive art environments, with murals, graffiti, and light installations covering the walls and exterior. This approach not only showcases the art but also reimagines the city’s built environment as a space for creativity and community engagement.
Audience and Community Impact
Kulture Klash attracts a diverse audience, including:
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Local artists and art enthusiasts seeking exposure to new and experimental work.
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Young professionals and students from the region’s colleges and universities, such as the College of Charleston and the Charleston School of the Arts.
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Families and community members interested in accessible, family-friendly arts programming.
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Visitors from outside the region, drawn by the festival’s reputation for cutting-edge art and lively entertainment.
The festival’s inclusive ethos and commitment to showcasing underrepresented voices have made it a vital platform for Charleston’s creative community. By partnering with local schools and organizations, such as the Charleston County School of the Arts and The Livity Foundation, Kulture Klash supports arts education and youth empowerment.
Reputation and Reviews
Critical Acclaim
Kulture Klash has been widely praised by local media and arts commentators for its innovative approach and community impact. Charleston City Paper has described the festival as an “eclectic celebration of the arts” and a “party with a purpose,” highlighting its ability to bring together diverse art forms and audiences. The event’s organizers are credited with “topping themselves again” with each edition, continually raising the bar for creativity and spectacle.
Attendee Experience
Reviews from attendees emphasize the festival’s unique atmosphere, describing it as a “big city blow out in a small city scene” and “like nothing else in Charleston.” The combination of live music, art, dance, and action sports creates a sense of excitement and discovery, with many noting the relaxed, welcoming environment and the opportunity to interact directly with artists.
Notable Moments
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The live wakeboard demonstrations, staged in urban settings with custom-built pools and ramps, have been singled out as standout attractions, blending sports, art, and spectacle in unexpected ways.
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Collaborative performances, such as interpretive dance accompanied by live drumming or painting, exemplify the festival’s commitment to multidisciplinary experimentation.
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The festival’s support for local nonprofits and arts organizations, with proceeds benefiting groups like The Livity Foundation and Redux Contemporary Art Center, underscores its role as a community-driven event.
Press and Media Coverage
Kulture Klash has received extensive coverage from regional media outlets, including Charleston City Paper, Charleston Magazine, and local arts blogs. Media coverage has focused on several key themes:
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The festival’s role in revitalizing North Charleston’s Navy Yard and transforming underused industrial spaces into vibrant cultural hubs.
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Its contribution to Charleston’s reputation as a creative city, complementing established events like Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto while serving a younger, more alternative audience.
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The diversity and quality of its artistic programming, with particular attention to the inclusion of street art, graffiti, and experimental performance.
Charleston Magazine has identified Kulture Klash as a key player in the city’s “creative cluster,” contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of the region by attracting creative professionals and fostering a sense of community among artists and audiences.
Cultural and Social Significance
Redefining Charleston’s Art Scene
Kulture Klash has played a pivotal role in redefining Charleston’s art scene, challenging the dominance of traditional and historical aesthetics by providing a platform for contemporary, experimental, and urban art forms. Its emphasis on inclusivity and diversity has helped to broaden the city’s cultural horizons and foster a more vibrant, innovative arts community.
Supporting Emerging Artists
By showcasing emerging artists alongside established names, Kulture Klash has helped to launch the careers of numerous local creatives and has provided vital exposure for those working outside the mainstream. The festival’s collaborative spirit encourages cross-disciplinary partnerships and experimentation, further enriching the region’s cultural landscape.
Community Engagement and Education
Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations, Kulture Klash has demonstrated a strong commitment to arts education and youth development. Its accessible programming and family-friendly events make contemporary art approachable and engaging for a broad audience.
Details, Insights, and Notable Examples
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The festival’s use of industrial spaces, such as the Navy Yard at Noisette, has become a signature element, transforming Charleston’s built environment into a living canvas for artistic expression.
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Notable installations have included large-scale murals, interactive light sculptures, and live painting events, often created in real time during the festival.
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The inclusion of action sports, such as urban wakeboarding, sets Kulture Klash apart from other arts festivals and reflects its commitment to breaking down barriers between artistic and athletic forms of expression.
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Food and beverage offerings from local vendors, as well as partnerships with regional breweries and restaurants, contribute to the festival’s lively, communal atmosphere.
Kulture Klash Arts Festival stands as a testament to Charleston’s evolving cultural identity and the power of creative collaboration. By bringing together artists, musicians, performers, and audiences from diverse backgrounds, the festival has helped to reshape the city’s arts landscape and foster a more inclusive, innovative community. Its legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and art lovers, ensuring that Charleston remains a vibrant hub for contemporary culture in the Southeast.