The Battle of The Canvas is creeping up on us, so I wanted to take a minute to catch up with the brains behind the project, Simone Banks. I’ve known Simone for a bit now as a colleague, a fellow event planner and promoter.  I’ve had the pleasure of working with her on a number of projects over the years, and she’s a powerhouse that you’ll definitely want to watch out for.

Insider tip: Battle of The Canvas is on August 27 at The Piazza in Northern Liberties. There will be vendors (including me), live art, performances and more! Save the date and spend the day with us—It’s FREE!

Flygirrl: Tell the people who you are and what you do.

Simone: My name is Simone J. Banks, aka Moni Mone. I am a writer, curator, art administrator, art enthusiast, manager and a tangible dreamer. I do most of my artistic work under the collective, Authentic. I also manage a visual artist, Frances Bradley, and DJ shErOck out of New York. Under my collective, I work closely with visual artists, poets and musicians/DJs to produce events that are innovative, but better yet, creatively invading. And, when I say invading, I like to produce avant-garde events that bring a new sense of experiencing 'the arts.’  What is often not seen or heard is where I like to reside and plan my invasion. Most recently, I graduated with my Masters in Art Administration from Drexel University where my passion grew in areas dealing with accessibility of the arts and bringing art to the people, primarily underrepresented groups of people.  My degree has given me access to a lot of information, both positive and not so positive, regarding these topics, yet with my findings derived the Battle of the Canvas. This project is my baby, as it combines all that I love and my new-found passions. I am presenting an artistic experience, from beginning to end to the public for free. It is all about the opportunity to get personal with visual artists competing and musicians who will be setting the backdrop to the competition. This is where I feel art belongs and is for us.  

Flygirrl: What made you decide to create Battle of The Canvas?

Simone: The Battle of the Canvas is a project that I always had jotted down in my diary, just no title attached to it yet. I have written many papers on the concept of engagement and inclusiveness within the arts and culture scene in Philadelphia and felt like this would be a great start to implementing my frustrations. The scene here is layered and if you are not represented by an agent, gallery, exhibiting your work or booking gigs...you are often overlooked. It was my desire to create a platform for visual artists and musicians to be seen and heard. Their talents are documented first-hand by viewers themselves. The intimacy is intense when engaging with an artist about their work and the Battle of the Canvas allows that to happen freely. The experience is open and encouraged for all who attend. This is a project that has a public purpose and the artists involved understand the concept of extending themselves to audiences they wouldn't have considered or had access to otherwise.

Flygirrl: What do you hope people take away from Battle of The Canvas?

Simone: My desire for all who will attend the Battle of the Canvas is that they take away the unique experience itself. It's outside in August, lots of artistic stimulation in the air, food, drink and people to network and vibe with. It's perfect, really, if you are encouraged by creativity and witnessing a process from beginning to end. 

Flygirrl: This year seems much bigger than last year. What are the upgrades and why?

Simone: After the event last year, the response and suggestions given to me on how the event could involve more than simply a painting atmosphere encouraged me to go after The Piazza, where the space available would allow for all that I wanted the BOC to be. More importantly, The Piazza allows me to reach an incredibly large amount of people at one time while exposing the artists who are a part of the event. The Piazza has allowed me to plan for creative vendors, a Kids Corner for their own mini arts festival, lots of space for the artists to paint, musicians to perform on stage in front of a large and diverse audience and sponsors to be greatly visible. In addition to that, I've had a great response from the businesses within The Piazza. PYT and Gunner's Run will provide a beer garden and supply discounts on food and drinks for everyone coming to the Battle of the Canvas. This event has been welcomed from so many and the support has been endless. The upgrades came naturally, honestly. People have been waiting for an event like this and to attach themselves to a project they see longevity in and believe in. 

Flygirrl: What does the future of Battle of the Canvas look like?

Simone: It looks quite bright! I have already been in conversations with other city entities to bring the project there. However, it is important to me that it is always in Philadelphia. This is where the project has come alive and I want to always host one in Philly. I'd love to have a traveling Battle of the Canvas--artists, musicians, photographers, and the BOC team on the road exposing talent in other cities on a fun, competitive basis. But, for right now I really want to continue hosting the event, building on the concept and brand and perfecting the execution and getting more corporate support behind the project. 

Flygirrl: You do a lot of things and wear many hats. What is your truest passion?

Simone: Res said it best, "to get inside this head of mine would take a monkey wrench and a lot of wine." {laughs} I do wear a lot of hats. But, I can honestly say that I know every fit and color. I'm a perfectionist, so I take my time with the things that I put my name on. I also require a lot, so I give more than expected. My passion lies within art and the presentation of that artwork being accessible to the public or whomever wants to experience it without a feeling of intimidation or barriers of cost being an issue. Art is freedom and there is freedom in art. My passion is to expose that and allow it to be felt by everyone. 

Flygirrl: Where can people find you and everything you're doing?

Simone: You can discover all that I create via http://monimonecreates.tumblr.com.

You can "like" the Battle of the Canvas on Facebook.

You can follow all the updates on Twitter (@theBOCphilly or @be_authentic). 

And, to be a vendor or volunteer, click here.