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We chatted with Jordan Parker of Triveni Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization about The Shadow Ball that they are hosting. The Shadow ball will take place in Chicago at Macy’s 111 N. State Street on January 20th, 2024 from 6 -10 pm. This is the organization’s first big event that will highlight mental health awareness. Shadow attire is requested but you are encouraged to come as you are!
What inspired Triveni Institute to focus on mental health awareness, and how does the Shadow Ball event contribute to this cause? When we talk about our environmental issues, we often focus on what humans need to do to take better care of the planet without looking at the pain that humans are in first. We are in rough shape mentally as individuals and also as cultures, and when you’re in survival mode taking care of the planet is an afterthought. So I’ve been thinking that perhaps focusing on healing human pain is a different way to approach our environmental problems: if we can heal humans from within, perhaps our addictions, consumption patterns and pollution problems will start to shift as well.
Can you share some details about the activities and programs that Triveni Institute has developed to address mental health issues within the community? ShadowBall is our first big event that directly addresses mental health. We have partnered with Chicago Therapy Collective for this show and are thrilled to continue to build on these relationships after ShadowBall.
What can we expect for the ShadowBall? You can expect some truly stunning fashion created entirely from plastic pollution, found materials, upcycled objects and thrifted clothing. Our featured designer, Scottie Rae Eskelund, has designed a line of 12 pieces that all speak to different “shadows” and symptoms of shadows that humans can carry. Scottie confronts topics head-on such as addiction, systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, eating disorders, toxic gender norms, chronic illness, aging and the negative effects of social media (among others), and draws the connection between our personal shadows and our societal shadows of pollution and waste.
In what ways can individuals and businesses get involved or support Triveni Institute’s mission beyond the Shadow Ball event? We invite everyone to be part of our community, whether it is being involved in one of our shows or donating to help fund our grassroots microgrant project (we are launching microgrant funding in 2024 to local grassroots environmental advocates who are creating change in their communities and working with youth). Triveni has grown so much in just a couple years, and we are so excited to see what 2024 has in store for us!
Don’t forget to follow and support Triveni Institute on social media! Grab your tickets today and meet us at the ShadowBall!
Click here to purchase your tickets
