“Summer School” is a four-week interactive installation running July 6-Aug. 3 at Parachute Gallery. The exhibit is a response to the recent censorship of inclusive cultural content across the state of Florida, says the organization.
Located at 1624 E 7th Ave. inside Ybor City’s new Kress Collective, the installation will feature a library of banned books available for purchase—all donated from independent bookstores Mojo Books & Records and Book + Bottle—with the proceeds going to Heard ‘Em Say Youth Art Collective, a Tampa Based non-profit that empowers young people in activism and advocacy through artistic education and expression.
Through a partnership with Embracing Our Differences, the “Summer School” installation will also feature artwork that has faced backlash based on its inclusive content. The artwork has recently made headlines after being censored from State College of Florida’s campus at Bradenton.
Drag performers will also be included in the installation, with recordings of local performers reading banned books from the library.
Drag performers have been impacted negatively following the signing of SB 1438, which prevents drag artists from performing in front of children under 18.
Parachute Gallery is now seeking donations to help fund the exhibit and pay the featured drag performers through GoFundMe.
“Summer School” is a passion project from Parachute Gallery owner Jessica Todd.
Amid the censorship of people and cultural assets, Todd found herself wondering what she could do to respond and be supportive for people who are being targeted, she said.
“If we all keep self censoring, and laying down, it’s just going to continue to gain momentum. I am adamant to stand my ground on this and whatever comes my way is fine,” Parachute Gallery owner and “Summer School” organizer Jessica Todd told Creative Loafing.
This article appears in May 25-31, 2023.