In this episode of "Talking Art," host Ben Gougeon sits down with Benjamin Fawkes, the custodian and curator of Rozz-Tox, a vibrant cultural hub in Rock Island, Illinois. Rozz-Tox uniquely combines the roles of a listening bar, café, gallery, cinema, and performance venue, challenging traditional notions of what cultural spaces can be. Benjamin shares the origins of Roztox, rooted in his earlier project, Loft345, and how the avant-garde manifesto of Gary Panter inspired its name and philosophy. The conversation navigates the complex landscape of running an independent cultural venue, the significance of artistic integrity, and the vital role of community engagement in resisting corporate homogenization.
Beyond Boundaries: The Avant-Garde Identity of Rozz-Tox
