one black woman breathing: give love words

Exhale Collective is one of the 2024-2025 Betti Ono Artists in Residence activating within the theme of "Reclamation of Space”. Their multi- month residency entitled “one. black womxn breathing”, is a communal art activation series centering care, affirmation and healing for black womxn and girls through the curation of sacred spaces for artistic exploration - alternating between ‘speak easy’ gatherings and wellness workshops.

Their second activation within their residency is their speak easy, which is an ‘open mic’ that features performing artists inspired by the speakeasies of the Harlem Renaissance. Many of these spaces provided a home for Black artists to be uninhibited, to connect and build, and most importantly were a source of joy. Our goal is to curate a space which inspires Black womxn and girls to sound off, to elevate their truths, define their narratives and unapologetically take up space. Unlike historic speakeasies, we are no longer speaking quietly or in secret.

Before entering the space, guests are invited to write down anything they would like to leave at the door and place it in our “breathe easy jar” so they can fully integrate themselves with the community. The first hour of our speak easy will include collective breathing and affirmation, writing prompts (inspired by the bell hooks texts previously mentioned) and an open mic. The second hour of speak easy will include a brief intermission and then a performance by featured artists. Each speak easy ends with everyone providing an affirmation to the person sitting next to them. All are welcome to attend to ‘speak, easy’ but only Black womxn and girls can take up the mic.

About exhale. collective: 

exhale. collective is a community that nurtures the individual craft and communal imaginings of black womxn, girls, and gender expansive folx, by curating spaces for us to co-create, release and dream in a way that brings us closer together and closer to ourselves. Our mission is to support, connect, and uplift black womxn and girls through gatherings that unite and inspire.

We invite you to breathe easy with us!  

Masking is strongly encouraged for the health and safety of all involved.

Host or Publisher BETTI ONO