Michelle Anderson Bonton, Founder and Executive Director of the Harris County Cultural Arts Center (HCCAC) in Houston, Texas, shares her journey with HCCAC, its impact on the underserved BIPOC communities in Harris County
BANFstories
Despite the challenges faced by the BIPOC art community in Houston, a cultural transformation is quietly but powerfully unfolding, bringing together art, diversity, and unwavering dedication. In this article, we explore the journey of the Hispanic Alliance for Performing and Audiovisual Arts (HAPAA) and their inspiring testament to the transformative power of the arts in our communities.
Conversando a Través de la Poesía. also known as Conversing Through Poetry, is community-driven organization has emerged as a guiding force, nurturing and amplifying the voices of the BIPOC communities. At its helm, Julie Pujol Karel, the organization’s founder, shares an inspiring narrative that encapsulates their journey, the influence of the BANF grant, and their boundless dreams for the future.
Houston’s vibrant cultural scene is a tapestry woven with diverse musical traditions, reflecting the city’s rich history and multicultural population. At the heart of this musical mosaic is the Community Music Center of Houston (CMCH), an organization dedicated to preserving and presenting Black music genres through education and performances. Ron Scales, Managing Director of CMCH, dives into the organization’s origins, its recognition through the BANF grant in 2022, and its vision for the future.
In the heart of Houston, Texas, four extraordinary artists known as The Locas have been shaking up the art scene for the past decade. This fearless collective, led by Jennifer Marie, has pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms through its guerilla-style multimedia art projects.
Abuse affects individuals of all races, ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic classes. However, people of color often face additional challenges within the judicial system. Karisma Pleasant, an artist, and survivor of abuse, personally experienced this bias when seeking help from authorities and courts.
Abuse affects individuals of all races, ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic classes. However, people of color often face additional challenges within the judicial system. Karisma Pleasant, an artist, and survivor of abuse, personally experienced this bias when seeking help from authorities and courts.
In a world that often overlooks the experiences and struggles of intersex individuals, one organization stands at the forefront of creating awareness, advocating for change, and empowering the intersex community. The Houston Intersex Society, led by the passionate and dedicated Koomah, has made remarkable strides since its founding in 2012.
The Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Arts Network and Fund, affectionately known as BANF, has announced a transformative investment of $6 million over the next three years. The announcement was made during an awards ceremony where 25 2023 BANF Artist Awards recipients were celebrated. Each deserving awardee was granted a remarkable $20,000.
The timing of the BANF grant was ideal, providing the necessary support to sustain and expand VCSA’s existing programs. This includes the highly anticipated Viet Cultural Fest, which serves as a platform to showcase the remarkable heritage and talent of Vietnamese American artists.