Artistas in the Capital

In 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.Episode Credits:Host: Norma SortoGuest: Stephanie Mercedes Episode Interviewers: Estrellita Soto Flores and Flavia OliveraEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Sour Mash - Golden GrassCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

In 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 Interviewers: Joycelin Salmeron, Evelyn Margarito-Casas, Kailah Floyd, Ramona SantanaEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Butterstone - The Gran DiasCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

In 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 SortoGuest: Marta Pérez-GarcíaEpisode Interviewers: Cristela Bonilla, Flavia Olivera, Jubilee Lucero, and Claudia Peralta TorresEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Butterstone - The Gran DiasCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

Studies 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 Episode Interviewers: Marco Cerqueira and Shanique LovelaceEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editors: Norma Sorto and Claudia Peralta Torres Music by Blue Dot Sessions:Pglet - ShepmanCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

Originally 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 Interviewers: Alfonzo Alfaro, Madison E. Goldberg, Otoniel Mecinas Cruz, and Christina Van OtterlooEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Banana Cream - HardboilCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

In 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: Norma SortoGuests: Marie Claire Vasquez Durán and Maria Victoria Abreu LugarEpisode Interviewer: Ellyn WongEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editors: Norma Sorto and Claudia Peralta TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Confectionery - Coulis CoulisCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

In 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 DreyEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Tarana - Casa QCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

In 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 Episode Interviewer: Barbara Weaver-BarrosEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Moon Juice - Our LamentCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

In 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 Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Resolute - Even Dreams of BeachesCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

In 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 States through literature. Episode Credits:Host: Norma SortoGuest: Nicolás Kanellos Episode Interviewers: Fernanda Poblete González, Deanna González, and Jaclyn PorpigliaEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Bodytonic - Party SageCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

Join 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:Host: Norma SortoGuest: Hannah Müssemann Episode Interviewer: Connie MooreEpisode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editors: Norma Sorto and Claudia Peralta TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Molerider - BoroughCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

Our 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 TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Lemon Jelly - HensteethCholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.

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 Miranda, Nicolás Kanellos, Marie Claire Vasquez Durán and María Victoria Abreu Lugar of Dutidú, Tanya Kateri Hernandez, Marta Pérez GarcíaEpisode Scriptwriter: Claudia Peralta TorresEpisode Editor: Claudia Peralta TorresMusic by Blue Dot Sessions:Cholate - Arizona MoonFor updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc, and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com.