The year was 2021. Everyone was rebuilding something after the pandemic: identity, career, relationships, hope... The unspoken, underlying question in all of us was, "Would we be able to rebuild society + self after so much demolition and pain?" THE ART OF REBUILDING seemed to think so, and it offered us strength when we ourselves struggled to find it within.

Week after week, a pin was shared via IG stories revealing where that week's pop up would be held. Small but mighty were these guerrilla-style street performances, usually held from the back of a Uhaul. Utilizing the art of storytelling, spoken word, dance and much more, each performance centered around a "key to rebuilding" - something that was key to have when life falls apart. At the end of the night, the audience was given a new zine based on that week's "key." In total, there were 8 zines corresponding with the 8 weeks of performances. When the pop-up was through, the performers and attendees capped the night at a local late night cafe, swapping their own stories of rebuilding and dismantling the post-Covid blues, one slice of pizza at a time. The next day, TAOR team members hit the streets of Houston, Texas, delivering a fresh batch of zines across the city.

The final TAOR '21 pop-up was held in the iconic painted alleyway between two vintage shops along the main Montrose strip. About 60 people showed up to eat together, laugh together and believe together for a better day. That night, TAOR creator Kallie revealed that a "Finale" was in store for The Art of Rebuilding. "Stand by for the Greater Later!" became the catch phrase for the promised event. The final zine was given, along with several hugs. And the collective was off and on their way to what would become their greatest undertaking yet...

2022 was the year that Not Another Conspiracy, aka The Art of Rebuilding Finale, began taking shape. Concepts found their way into reality, and individual artists leaned in to lock arms and create from a place of community and belonging. During that time, the decision was made to "reboot" the TAOR zines and redistribute them throughout the city in preparation for NAC. Much like in 2021, each week meant a new zine was dropped across local coffee shops. With the reboot came the addition of an online video series to accompany the zines and further drive home the keys and concepts of rebuilding. 

These weekly video drops ranged from outlandish skits to art house short films. They were the release of depth and joy our souls still desperately needed post-2020, and they were an invitation into introspection and bravery. They especially sought to speak to the artists of this generation, and to empower them in their unique and creative role in "rebuilding."

Each zine and video in the '23 reboot included a "Save the Date" to some illusive event called Not Another Conspiracy. By the time the show arrived, the collective had grown to over 90 artists who participated in making NAC come alive. At NAC, the final(e) zine was given, along with the reveal of the final(e) "key to rebuilding" for these de/re-constructive times. To find out what it was, go grab some popcorn, a few friends, and kick back and watch the NAC Movie ;)