Since 2013 Rashaad Newsome’s has staged his annual King of Arms Art Ball, a live performance event that brings together renowned figures from the art, fashion, music, literary, activism and underground LGBTQ & GNC vogue community. In The King of Arms Art Ball Newsome stages a ball, a dance and performance competition, where all the categories are based on a specific artist’s work or a particular movement within art history and contemporary culture. Past categories were inspired by the works of such visionaries as El Anatsui , the Nicholas Brothers, Lorna Simpson and Bill T. Jones to name a few.
Artist from diverse backgrounds deserve a space to be celebrated and recognized for their talent! Through the King of Arms Ball Newsome creates a platform to celebrate queer artists of color, explore contemporary social justice issues, and provide space for emerging artists to showcase their work.