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. Other members include Mel Petersen, Stephanie St. Sanchez, and Koomah. Their journey has brought them together to collaborate with other Latina artists, infuse activism into their work, and explore grant opportunities.
Their path to discovering the BIPOC Arts, Network & Fund (BANF) award in 2022 began with their connection to Fresh Arts. As artists who were never taught the “right way” to navigate the complexities of grant applications, the BANF grant came as a breath of fresh air. The application process was surprisingly accessible, alleviating the daunting nature of grants.
The moment they received the approval notice, sheer excitement coursed through their veins. It was overwhelming to realize that this grant would inject new life into their organization and significantly impact their artistic journey. Previously, The Locas had relied on self-funding, constantly juggling side- hustles to sustain their projects. However, the BANF grant provided additional support allowing them to focus wholeheartedly on their creative pursuits.
Challenging societal norms and amplifying underrepresented voices
The Locas firmly believe that grants like BANF are pivotal, especially for BIPOC communities. Too often, talented artists from marginalized backgrounds defend their unique perspectives to committees that adhere to a narrow definition of “artistic merit.” The Locas seamlessly weaves activism, humor, and absurdity, delivering powerful messages that challenge societal norms and amplify underrepresented voices.
With the grant funds, The Locas embarked on two transformative projects. The first fearlessly delved into the complexities of reproductive rights through an immersive installation. The aim was to ignite conversations, dismantle preconceived notions, and provoke thought on this critical topic. Simultaneously, they used the grant to create a series of super shorts for their variety show, “Becky Cathy Tonight.” These captivating episodes, soon to be aired on Houston Media Source, will amplify underrepresented voices and celebrate their community’s rich talent diversity.
Blending creativity and entertainment
Looking ahead, The Locas have even grander plans. The variety show remains a focal point, captivating audiences with its unique blend of creativity and entertainment. Additionally, they are developing an installation called “Where My Girls At?”—a poignant exploration of loss experienced by at-risk and dehumanized community members. Through their art, The Locas seeks to shed light on these issues, providing a platform for those marginalized for far too long.
While their current focus lies on their work, The Locas has forged valuable connections with other nonprofit organizations that are also recipients of the BANF grant. They remain open to future partnerships, recognizing the power of unity in amplifying their collective voice and effecting change.