The Palmetto Rose Project hosts an art showcase on Sun. July 7 in order to raise money for the grassroots non-profit organization, which plans to do a showcase every month.

These showcases serve as a platform for black Charleston artists in the Lowcountry to freely express themselves and their art, which has become increasingly marginalized due to gentrification in low-income areas. In addition to the local art, attendees of the showcase can also expect live poetry readings as well as a reveal of the BLACK CULTURE MATTERS mural and a special presentation from the Palmetto Rose Boys of Charleston.

The Palmetto Rose Project started as a response to Black culture being cast aside in Charleston due to gentrification. The name is in reference to the palmetto roses that were made and sold in downtown Charleston, which has diminished in recent years as tourism becomes more prominent. In the last 10 years, Charleston has seen a massive increase in new hotels, restaurants, and luxury apartments being built in low-income districts. As a result, many creative people in the African-American community have lost their platform to express and spread their art to the rest of Charleston. The PRP alleviates this issue by providing a space for marginalized artists so their art and voice will not be drowned out by the rapidly changing Charleston. Tickets for this event will be $20 dollars and the proceeds will go directly into the organization.

Right now, their main goal is to raise money in order to renovate the TIA Banquet Hall in North Charleston as well as receiving 501(c)(3) status in order to receive further funding. The TIA Banquet Hall will serve as a cultural center for black artists to freely express themselves, which will also include an art gallery. Along with attending their monthly art showcases, you can also contribute to the Palmetto Rose Project’s cause by donating to their GoFundMe page.

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