Thinking about mortality isn’t easy, so if the topic of death and dying makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone! We’re looking through the creative lens to help everyone plan for the inevitable, long before time of need.
Our story actually began back in August 2017. That’s when Bevival launched America’s first Dying to Know grassroots death literacy campaign. The following year, awareness spread thanks to our taboo shattering #dodeathdifferently Selfie Challenge. It was thrilling to watch mobile phones and faces light up.
At the same time, our Celebrating Aging in Film Series began attracting sold-out crowds. After five seasons, its popularity prompted us to launch the Dying To Know Film Festival in NY’s Hudson Valley. The fest turned out to be an audacious, exciting, eye-opening and fulfilling endeavor for audience members and presenters alike.
But aging isn’t the only reason to embrace the emotional and financial benefits of death literacy. With so many random acts of violence impacting our lives, normalizing these conversations, long before time of need, can no longer be postponed or ignored.
Producing programs that reach and influence the underserved and underrepresented has become especially crucial. To help amplify death literacy awareness within our local community, we’ve partnered with the following .orgs:
City of Kingston Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs
Old Dutch Church
Ulster County Office for Aging
Ulster County Women’s Network