THE GATHERING: AN ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE, is a multidisciplinary Performance event conceived by Highways artistic director Danielle Brazell in collaboration with the local Arts community. THE GATHERING is a social, artistic and humanitarian response comprised of individual Artists dedicated to sharing their unique perspective and vision to a propagandized public. THE GATHERING will be presented for two evenings and will feature dozens of Southern California's most influential community based-Artists!

THE GATHERING will foster a creative space for the general public to investigate an alternative response to September 11th and subsequent events. Incorporating solo autobiographical, Dance, Installation and durational

approaches to performance, THE GATHERING removes the audience chairs, the separation and the distance between Artist and spectator to create a seamless performance experience.

Artists will present Performances addressing key issues in the events of recent weeks. In addition, site-specific durational works will unfold simultaneously throughout the evening. Not since the culture wars of the mid 90's has a coalition of this size and diversity joined together to

address a common cause.

Highways Performance Space and Gallery is southern California's preeminent venue for gay, lesbian, alternative and community based performance and visual Art. Its mission is to develop and present innovative performance and visual art, interaction among people of diverse cultural identities and foster a critical dialogue among Artists concerned with social issues and the communities they serve.

The events will take place on Friday October 26 and Saturday October 27, 2001, at 8:30 pm. Location: Highways Performance Space and Gallery. 18th Street Arts Complex. 1651 18th Street. Santa Monica. suggested donation.

For reservations or further information, call (310) 315-1459.

All proceeds to benefit....

The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA), established in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1977 as an independent political/social organization of Afghan women fighting for human rights and for social justice in Afghanistan.

Coalition For World Peace

c/o Office Of the Americas

The Peace Center

8124 West 3rd Street, Suite 104

Los Angeles, California 90048

ART FOR A CHANGE (AFC) will be participating in the event

by distributing free Posters and other Artworks. The Gathering will be documented photographically and the photos uploaded to AFC and Independent Media L.A. Please spread the word concerning this importance cultural event.

Mark Vallen

www.art-for-a-change.com