Moderated by author, long-time friend, and board member of City of Asylum Damon Young, fellow writers Joy Priest, Adriana Ramirez, and Jesse Washington will partake in a panel discussing how to survive as an artist in America. The panel will dive into the realities of artist finances and the importance of community and collaboration to maintain a sense of security and support as creatives.

Long-time audiences will be familiar with Damon’s “How To Survive in America” live-streamed series with City of Asylum which aired in 2020. With guests like Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (Friday Black, Chain-Gang All Stars), Bassey Ikpi (I’m Telling The Truth, But I’m Lying), Kiese Laymon (Heavy), and more, Damon offered audiences a front row seat to six intimate episodes of heartfelt, humorous, honest conversations with his fellow writers and friends amid the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. This panel brings the series off Zoom and onto the stage for its in-person debut.