Artists for Sidewalk Fundraiser Opens at Rojo, Supporting Birmingham Film Center

A curated group show and fundraiser for Sidewalk Film Center & Cinema opened at Rojo on Highland Avenue South earlier this month, bringing together more than 20 artists whose original work takes cult films as its subject and inspiration.

The opening reception for Artists for Sidewalk was held March 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Rojo, located at 2915 Highland Ave S in Birmingham. On that Thursday evening, Rojo committed to donating 10% of its restaurant sales to Sidewalk, layering a second revenue stream on top of the show's core sales structure.

That structure gives both the organization and the participating artists a direct financial stake in every transaction: 50% of each piece sold goes to Sidewalk Film Center & Cinema, and the remaining 50% goes to the artist. It's a model that treats the fundraiser as a genuine exchange rather than a one-way donation drive, and it keeps the work of more than 20 creators economically viable while building Sidewalk's operating capacity.

The art remains on display at Rojo through March 30, giving the community nearly the full month of March to view and purchase work. The pieces collectively form what organizers describe as a curated group show, with each artwork rooted in cult film imagery and iconography. The venue at 2915 Highland Ave S doubles as both gallery space and working restaurant for the duration of the exhibit's run.

Sidewalk Film Center & Cinema has been a cornerstone of Birmingham's independent film ecosystem for years, and fundraisers like this one serve the practical work of keeping that infrastructure intact. The Artists for Sidewalk show runs through the end of the month.