Shows
Artistas in the CapitalMetal to Melody: Stephanie Mercedes' Artistic Response to Gun ViolenceIn this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Mercedes, a talented queer Latinx artist based in Washington D.C. Mercedes is an interdisciplinary artist who explores various mediums such as sound, performance, metal casting, welding, and musical composition. With a deep connection to her family history and Argentine ancestry, her performances and installations ruminate on that country’s history, particularly los desaparecidos, as well as colonization, dictatorships, and juntas prevalent throughout Latin America. Additionally, Mercedes shares her unique artistic process of transforming weapons into musical instruments and sculptures, and how she intersects art, history, and activism.Ep...
2024-05-0113 min
Artistas in the Capital“Protection from Erasure”: A Conversation with Samuel MirandaIn this episode, we talk with D.C.-based artist, writer, and educator Samuel “Sami” Miranda. Through his visual art and poetry, Miranda showcases his Puerto Rican roots and South Bronx upbringing. We also discuss his latest book, "Protection from Erasure," a collection of poems that immortalizes the significance of everyday moments. Miranda passionately discusses his personal experiences, from his Bronx origins to the evolving D.C. arts scene, and his dedication to inspiring students through the power of art and poetry. Episode Credits:Host: Norma SortoGuest: Samuel “Sammi” Miranda Episode Intervie...
2024-04-0325 min
Artistas in the CapitalArt That Speaks: Marta Pérez-García's Fight Against Women’s ViolenceIn this episode, we sit down with Marta Pérez-García, a passionate Puerto Rican artist and art teacher based in Washington, D.C. Marta takes immense pride in her Puerto Rican identity and channels her creativity through various artistic mediums. However, her artistic journey goes beyond mere self-expression. Marta's resolve was ignited at a young age when she witnessed the heartbreaking story of a woman who fell victim to domestic violence. Instead of remaining silent, Marta knew she had to use her artistic talent to denounce such atrocities. Episode Credits:Host: Norma Sorto
2024-03-0618 min
Artistas in the CapitalUnmasking Latino Anti-Black Bias: A Conversation with Tanya Katerí HernándezStudies reveal that darker-skinned Latinos, including Afro-Latinos, encounter discrimination from both within and outside the Latino community. This discrimination takes various forms, from unequal treatment to racial profiling. Our guest, Tanya Katerí Hernández, a professor at Fordham University School of Law, delves into the topic of Latino anti-black bias and the struggle for equality. We also discuss her book, "Racial Innocence," where she highlights the untold stories of Afro-Latinos and sheds light on enduring injustices silently faced for far too long.Episode Credits:Host: Norma SortoGuest: Tanya Katerí Hernández Epis...
2024-02-0732 min
Artistas in the CapitalArt as Activism: César Maxit's Journey in Street Art and Social JusticeOriginally from Argentina and now living in Washington, D.C., César Maxit shares his journey from studying architecture to devoting himself full-time to helping organizations express their demands for environmental and climate justice, human rights, and immigrant rights. As an artist and communication specialist, he uses visuals, sculptures, and paintings to convey powerful messages. In this episode, César shares his experiences organizing groups of artists, securing spaces for their creations, and engaging in insightful conversations with fellow artists and activists.Episode Credits:Host: Norma SortoGuest: César MaxitEpisode Int...
2024-01-1020 min
Artistas in the CapitalTurning Vision into Reality: The Latina Entrepreneurs Behind DutidúIn this episode, we join Marie Claire Vasquez Durán and Maria Victoria Abreu Lugar, two Dominican entrepreneurs, as they share their inspiring journey of creating Dutidú. Born out of their shared cultural heritage and passion for the arts, Dutidú is a unique venture that celebrates Latin culture and hopes to fill a gap in the children’s toy market. Discover how their diverse backgrounds in international politics and sustainable development converge with their entrepreneurial spirit, as they navigate the challenges of building a business that blends creativity, cultural identity, and entrepreneurship.Episode Credits:Host...
2023-12-0622 min
Artistas in the CapitalFrom Dance to Community: Alejandro Góngora's Journey with Corazón Folklórico DCIn this episode, we talk with Alejandro Góngora, the founder and artistic director of Corazón Folklórico DC, a non-profit dance company that showcases the vibrant artistry of Mexican Ballet Folkórico. For Alejandro, researching and choreographing folkórico is an integral part of his career. Through his unwavering passion for dance and community, Alejandro has created an inclusive space where individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds can freely express themselves through the transformative power of dance.Episode Credits:Host: Norma SortoGuest: Alejandro Góngora Episode Interviewer: Olivia Drey
2023-11-0124 min
Artistas in the CapitalCanvas of Change: Julio Valdez's Artistic Evolution and ImpactIn this episode, Julio Valdez, an artist from the Dominican Republic, shares his experience as an artist and how his creations have evolved over time. From serene water prints capturing the beauty of his Caribbean homeland to thought-provoking artwork reflecting the politically charged atmosphere during the pandemic, Julio strives to inspire hope in those who encounter his art, initiating meaningful conversations and driving positive change in society. Learn more about the deep connections between art and social commentary, and witness Julio Valdez's unwavering passion.Episode Credits:Host: Norma SortoGuest: Julio Valdez ...
2023-10-0430 min
Artistas in the CapitalDancing Beyond Borders: Art, Advocacy and Identity with Gabriel MataIn this episode, Gabriel Mata's journey as an undocumented immigrant and artist advocate leads us from Mexico to Southern California, to his current role in Washington D.C. Dance became his voice as he navigated his undocumented status and queer identity. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of dance, the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants, and his unwavering commitment to uplifting his community through art and advocacy. Episode Credits:Host: Norma SortoGuest: Gabriel Mata Episode Interviewers: Cristela Bonilla and Christine MacDonaldEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera ...
2023-09-0624 min
Artistas in the CapitalFrom Words to Legacy: Empowering Latino Voices with Nicolás KanellosIn this episode, we sit down with Nicolás Kanellos, the founder of Arte Público Press, to discuss his longstanding commitment to uplifting Latino voices in the literary world. We'll explore his journey from founding a Latino literary magazine during the Civil Rights movement to launching bestselling authors like Sandra Cisneros. We'll also dive into the complex issues surrounding Latino representation in literature, such as the need for more Spanish-language books published in the United States and how through his work, Nicolás has recovered written material in multiple mediums archiving the legacy of Latinos in the United Sta...
2023-08-0925 min
Artistas in the CapitalFrom Factories to Screens: Exploring the Social Impact of Telenovelas with Hannah MüssemannJoin us for this episode as we sit down with Hannah Müssemann, a researcher from GUMELAB (History Transfer through Entertainment Media in Latin America. Laboratory for Memory and Digital Media Research) in Berlin. Hannah shares her insights on the social impact of telenovelas, a distinctly Latin-American phenomenon that originated in cigar and textile factories over a century ago and continues to shape Latinx society today. Discover how GUMELAB studies the portrayal of Latin American history in telenovelas and its influence on people's memories and perceptions, both in their home countries and abroad.Episode Credits:
2023-07-1227 min
Artistas in the CapitalQueer Latinx Artistry and Innovation with Armando Lopez-BircannOur first episode features D.C.-based XR (extended reality) artist Armando Lopez-Bircann (they/them), who grew up in the Dominican Republic with limited access to the world of high art. Despite this, Armando's innovative, technologically driven approach to artistic creation challenges the limits of queer Latinx expression. Join us as we explore their creative process and unique perspective on the intersection of queer identity and art.Episode Credits:Host: Norma SortoGuest: Armando Lopez-Bircann Episode Interviewer: Olivia DreyEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta Torres...
2023-06-1425 min
Artistas in the CapitalIntroducing Artistas in the Capital!Hello and welcome to “Artistas in the Capital.” Hola Cultura’s brand new monthly podcast featuring interviews with Latinx artists in the Washington D.C. area. Hosted by Norma Sorto and based on interviews from Hola Cultura’s SPEL program, this podcast will introduce you to a variety of local Latinx artists, from dancers to printmakers, authors, poets and more. Tune in on June 14th for our first episode!Episode Credits: Host: Norma SortoGuests: Gabriel Mata, Armando Lopez-Bircann, Alejandro Gongóra, César Maxit, Stephanie Mercedes, Julio Valdez, Samuel Mira...
2023-05-3103 min
Undocu-Life: No Longer DreamingMaria: The mental pressure of the “model immigrant”How does the Spanish-to-English language barrier affect young immigrants in a public school system? University of the District of Columbia (UDC) undergraduate, Maria Nunez Pereira, was born in El Salvador, and immigrated to D.C. when she was five years old. Upon arriving in the United States and enrolling into public school, Maria recalls being denied the support she needed in her classes, while she was barely starting to learn English. In this episode of Undocu-Life, Maria opens up about her mental health journey, and the pride she now feels about being a young undocumented immigrant.Episode...
2022-11-161h 11