From an Indi Go Artist Co-op press release:
A benefit art show supporting community radio station WEFT 90.1 FM will open at Indi Go Artist Co-op on World Radio Day 2014 – Thursday, February 13th, 6-9pm and run through Monday, February 17th. Featuring original artwork created by radio hosts, members and friends of WEFT, the exhibition will offer a wide range of work from both little known and established artists from East Central Illinois. Live performances representative of the station’s diverse music programming are also scheduled in Indi Go’s intimate gallery space throughout the weekend. A portion of all art sales and donations for performances will directly support the radio station.
With operating costs averaging $10,000 a month and the unpredictable reliability of current sources of funding for the station, benefit coordinator Jason Finkelman wanted to assist in fundraising efforts and raise community awareness of the station itself. Finkelman states, “While the aim of the art exhibition and performances is to celebrate WEFT’s creative community in an effort to raise needed funds for the station, the other, perhaps more important goal is to raise awareness of the station and invite greater community involvement, which is vital in sustaining WEFT well into the future.” WEFT is very thankful to have community partners like Indi Go Artist Coop owner James Barham, who is contributing the venue for this fundraiser.
There will be several opportunities to meet the community of “airshifters” who host shows and other volunteers of WEFT who are exhibiting artists and performers throughout the weekend starting with a Valentine’s Day party that will include live music and DJ mixes by Mr. Sensation and others on Friday, February 14 starting at 9pm. Spoken word and world music will share the space on Saturday, February 15 at 2pm when Cynthia Oliver reads texts from her dance theater works, with music by Jason Finkelman and Ben Wheeler. Acoustic folk music will be featured on Saturday, February 15 at 7pm, with sets by Kevin Elliott, Don Willi, and Mike Feldman. A blues performance by Andy Duncanson of Kilborn Alley will be presented on Sunday, February 16 at 2pm, followed by a 7pm show featuring experimental / improvised music by The Noise Assembly featuring Ed Hadley, Mark Bee, Mike Feldman, and Bill Saylor. The gallery will also be open on Monday, February 17 from 6-8pm for a last look at the artwork and opportunity to purchase local artwork in support of WEFT.
Founded in 1981, WEFT 90.1 FM is a volunteer operated, non-commercial radio station supported by the financial contributions of its members. With a mission to offer an accessible, responsible, and responsive radio alternative, that serves the diverse communities of radio listeners in East Central Illinois, WEFT offers locally produced, independent programming that is uniquely different than commercial and corporate radio. More information on the station can be found online at http://weft.org.
Established by UNESCO in 2011,World Radio Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of radio, facilitate access to information through radio and enhance networking among broadcasters. The date of February 13th was selected as it corresponds to the birth of the UN radio in 1946. More information can be found online at http://www.worldradioday.org.