We’ve seen it happen, over and over again: independent spaces and parties, especially those created by queer or otherwise marginalized communities, are becoming more commercial. Sometimes it’s inevitable, but most of the time, it’s a sign of politics interfering with communities they don’t like or even fear. It doesn’t matter if it’s Lisbon, Berlin, London, or elsewhere, politicians knowingly fail to provide low-cost or free third spaces where people like us can genuinely exist (or simply have fun).
In today’s world, many of us are searching for different places and events where we can (re)connect to our real reality, and make connections. Oliver (The Auragrio) and I (Alfred / Rayge.Uncovered) searched too, and pretty hard too, and created the RESET. We’re just getting started and would love you to join us!
Please visit The RESET page here
– and download the RESET zines! –
Rather than offering just another night out, the RESET is immersive and intimate, merging music, art, movement, food, and meaningful conversations that challenge the crazy world as it is right now. We create spaces and moments that, we hope, feel transformational. The RESET isn’t an event for passive consumption. It’s not meant for people to only show up to be entertained and then go back home unchanged. The RESET invites you to join a collective movement, meant for active personal participation. As we believe that performativity is at the heart of shaping a world that is becoming more and more intolerable and unaccepting, we let you decide how you can best participate. How, you wonder? Let me describe the concept of this continuous experiment we call “The RESET.”
Space and Time to Ground
The RESET encourages you to slow down, engage deeply, and rethink how we interact with ourselves, each other, and everything around us. Different and sometimes unexpected creative expressions are woven into a fluid narrative. Each edition of the RESET offers different ways to step out of our collective daily stress to recalibrate and reformat ourselves. Being grounded is essential before anyone can create, celebrate, or innovate. So, that’s where our experiment really starts: with a comfortable, safe environment. And: it works. When I saw a couple of our participants sleep during the first, ambient moments of our first RESET, I was so happy. Honestly! Such a wonderful start!
Freedom and Fun on the Dancefloor
Music is at the heart of the RESET. Ambient sounds, techno, house, live coding, and other expressive soundscapes guide participants on their sonic journey. Music helps us reclaim the dance floor for liberation, self-expression, and resistance. Our dance floor is a place to reconnect—first and foremost to ourselves, but also to each other. Remember how I mentioned the lack of performativity? Erasing the need to prove yourself leads to so much more freedom and fun. In my life, music always helped me relax into my own world, which is way better than the world others tried to force upon me. I’m pretty sure you know what I mean. I so loved the ambient soundscape offered by The Auragrio during the first edition of our event—just as much as I liked the great energy offered during the live coding performed by AEONA REX. Dance moves came so naturally…
Removing Digital Distractions
Real life doesn’t happen online. Many of us were born in times when there were no phones, yet most of us can’t even imagine life without staring for even a short while at our mobile devices. Stepping away from small screens once in a while is liberating. And if you stop feeling the need to “like” and “be liked,” you will create room to breathe, reflect, and recharge. As a Baby Boomer, I don’t feel the need to document every moment of my life for social media. As Rayge, I can do without. That’s also why, at the live RESET, our performance areas are phone-free, just to help you stay present. Moving away from social media is deeply liberating, I can tell you from experience. With Rayge.Uncovered recently freed from social media, life has become so much more real. Removing digital distractions at the RESET gives you time and space to dedicate your energy to yourself—to your real friends and to your real community. Come reconnect to them at the RESET!
Do You Feel Comfortable and Respected?
Respect and consensus are central to the RESET. Let me ask you this: when was the last time you felt comfortable and respected when expressing your true self?
The RESET encourages real connections, active listening, and sincere empathy. We nurture environments where connections can develop organically through genuine understanding rather than fake transactional networking. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well, think again, I would suggest…
Independent Cultural and Creative Spaces
Choosing the right venue is vital, as we found out. We host the RESET at community-driven sanctuaries like Penhasco Arte Cooperativa in Lisbon, where we recently launched our experiment.
Because the RESET is an ongoing experiment, we avoid static formulas that ignore how quickly our world and our communities change. Venues like Penhasco are crucial hubs for artistic independence, creative expression, and local care. Supporting such independent cultural spaces protects places where creativity can thrive safely and respectfully.
Expanding Access Through Virtual Editions
Alongside in-person events in Lisbon, Porto, and across Europe, we now also host virtual editions with themed programming. Of course, we do it differently—adapted for online audiences. Our “virtual” gatherings reach out to those of you who cannot join in person due to time restraints or distance. Let’s see how that works out; it’s an experiment within our experiment, and it definitely reflects our cross-border vision for the future.
Rethinking the “Community Event”
With my organizational and communications background, I don’t need to be shy in stating that the approach will be different. Oliver and I looked around, partied around, and joined other events in different countries. For the RESET, we believed we had to break traditional molds and build something that fits a new definition of the word “community.”
To start with, by running from the afternoon to somewhere in the evening, we give participants time to be fully present, relax, reflect, and enjoy a restful night afterward.
By removing digital distractions from our performance areas and discouraging performative behavior from guests, artists, and ourselves alike, we keep the focus on comfort and living fully in the moment. We know that everyone present at the RESET approaches the experience with a unique mindset, and we honor and celebrate these differences.
Distinct Themes and Care-ful Discussions
Every RESET centers on a distinct theme. Discussions and performances tackle key topics such as neurodivergence, environmental responsibility, racism, gender, sexuality, local housing, and global affairs.
The RESET also uncovers restrictive and inhuman systems like patriarchy, fascism, colonialism, and capitalism. In response, we draw on Indigenous principles that offer sustainable, constructive, and honest ways to organize life. Mind you, we do not appropriate any culture, but we do recognize that we should learn from what worked in the past and move away from what destroys our future. One thing I learned from my best teachers is that it’s not as difficult as the “oppressors” would make us believe.
Because each event adapts to a specific topic, there is no fixed formula. Each RESET is a unique experience, and to be honest: sometimes we don’t even know what to expect. So far, I believe we’ve not been disappointed. And we’ve learned a lot with each RESET.
Prioritizing Welfare and Accessibility
Care and welfare extend beyond the event itself. We are fully aware that some consequential conversations can bring up complex emotions, so we invite experienced friends in the mental health field for support during and after events. Change is complicated and opens portals that often open doors to rethinking life. Naturally, some performances and conversations evoke deep feelings and emotions. We recognize that, as organizers, we have a responsibility and accountability to ensure support is there for you.
Financial barriers should never prevent participation. We keep access open through cost-covering ticket prices, optional donations, and an open-door policy regardless of financial situation. As organizers, we are always open to hearing from you if you feel we can help, or if you believe the RESET would offer you a platform for your creativity.
Food means comfort. Food is not an afterthought, but integrated into the RESET experience. At each event, we aim to offer nourishing, thoughtfully sourced food and drink from creators who have a passion for food and sharing.
Creating Connections Through Communication
Because of my background as a professional communicator, we’re building the RESET into a multi-communicational ecosystem, linking the live events with our reflective ZINE (digital and print) and community audio and video streams. Is it a challenge? Yes. Is it fun? That too. Because I know that our message will be much more convincing…
We aim to grow organically as a space to heal, dance, and build a connected future. That’s the non-performative part, and I really hope you’ll see that it applies to every aspect of the RESET.
Showing and Sharing Our Gratitude
We are deeply grateful to be able to dedicate ourselves to work that brings value to a community that constantly needs to look for fresh ways to organize. Even if it is just for one afternoon or evening, it is worth it.
I cannot begin to explain what I feel after each of my Rayge performances or after each episode of the RESET, or what I experience together with Oliver/The Auragrio, or together with our dear friends.
Yes, I’m grateful and humbled by all of that.
Finally: doing this is FUN. I talked about the “fun” aspect before. No matter how hard life is, resisting a BS world works out so much better when you are having a good time. That’s what my previous blog post was about. Check that one out too, if you like.
Back to you. Please let Oliver and me know your thoughts on the RESET, or how you might like to participate or contribute. We’ve got stickers or hard copies of our ZINE for you. Just ask, we’re happy to share. You can find our contact details on the back page of this ZINE.
With love,
Oliver (The Auragrio) & Alfred (Rayge.Uncovered)
