Culture Bytes

In this episode, Ernesto Balderas, UCAF Deputy Director speaks with Darren Parry, author and former Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, and Jamera Naquai, poet and spoken word artist. Parry and Naquai speak on their most recent books and how their creative work can inspire younger audiences and "the next generation." This episode is supported by Utah Humanities.

In this episode, we speak with Sherlynn Davis, Executive Director of the St. George Dance Company and Lisa Clements, Executive Director for the Red Rock Dance Festival and Assistant Administrative Director for the St. George Dance Company. They speak to us about their Spring Show coming up at the end of April, how the Red Rock Dance Festival supports up and coming dance artists to foster aspects of their career, and what audiences can expect to enjoy at the Festival.

For Day 6 of 45 Days of Advocacy | 2022, listen to Utah Cultural Alliance's conversation with Dan Hemmert, Executive Director on the significance of the cultural industry within the economic development of the state of Utah. Hear about what the cultural industry provides for both small and large employers, the growth of tourism within Utah, and what the Utah Main Street Program is. Hear more by heading to UCA's website today or via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Vurbl.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes

This week we spoke to Glenda, the current President, and Daphne, the prior President of the Dixie Watercolor Society based in St. George, Utah. They speak to us about their own artistic careers, the importance of Gallery 35 to both members and non-members of the Society, and the climate of support for arts organizations within St. George. Interested in hearing more? Head to our website to hear the full episode or download from your preferred platform such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#UTCulture #UtahArts #CultureBytes

In this episode, we speak with Diana Call, Executive Director at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm. Diana tells us about why the Discovery Site was founded in St. George, the various educational and research assets of the Site, and about an upcoming exhibit. Want to hear more? Head to our website today using the link below:https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#UTCulture #UtahArts

In this episode, we speak to Marianne Hamilton of the Art Around the Corner Foundation. Marianne tells us about the history of the Foundation, how the Foundation supports artists through its "art on loan" program, and the Young CreatorsWant to hear more? Head to our website today using the link below:https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#UTCulture #UtahArts

In this episode, we speak with Natalie Gula, Administrator at the St. George Art Museum. Natalie tells us about the wide variety of educational programming offered at the museum, the newly launched ARTIE school bus, and how the gift shop serves to showcase local artists. Want to hear more? Head to our website today using the link below:https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#UTCulture #UtahArts

In this episode, we speak to Bonnie Reynolds, Executive Director of the Southwest Symphony. Bonnie speaks to us about the mission of the Symphony, it's recent 40th Anniversary, and how the organization continued programming despite the challenges of COVID-19. Want to hear more? Head to our website to hear the full episode.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#UTCulture #UtahArts

This week, we speak to Elizabeth Gunter, Artist and Gallerist of Art Provides in St. George, Utah. Elizabeth talks about the inspiration behind the name of gallery "Art Provides," what is coming next for the gallery, and how diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of exhibition planning. Want to hear more? Head to our website using the link below or download from your favorite podcast resource including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#UTCulture #UtahArts #UtahMuseums

This week, we spoke with Jorge Rojas, the inaugural artist-in-residence, and Nancy Stoaks, Curator, for the Kimball Art Center. We specifically discuss how the artist-in-residence program benefits Jorge and the Kimball Art Center, the significance of the Gente de Maiz/People of Corn Exhibition to the community, and what other events and exhibits visitors can look forward to in the future. If you would like to hear more, head to our website to listen to the full episode or download from your favorite podcast site including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytesFind out more about the exhibit and upcoming events surrounding the exhibit by heading to Kimball Art Center's website:https://kimballartcenter.org/exhibition/people-of-corn-gente-de-maiz-with-artist-in-residence-jorge-rojas/#UTCulture #UtahArts #UtahMuseums

This week, we speak to Shianne Gray, the co-Festival Director of the 2021 Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival starting tomorrow, July 29 and going until August 8. Shianne talks to us about how she got involved with the Fringe Festival, what distinguishes the Festival from other theatrical productions across Utah, and what you can look forward to starting tomorrow. To hear more, head to our website or download from your preferred podcast hosting site.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#UTCulture #UtahArts #UtahTheater

This week on Culture Bytes, we speak with Amy MacDonald, Founder and Director of Brolly Arts, Marian Howe-Taylor, Manager of Special Projects at Salt Lake Community College, and Doctor Tashelle Wright, Black Health Liason. Amy and Marian are also the Co-Creators of Black Social Change Utah and the Beloved Community Project. They tell us about the significance of the Beloved Community Project film and future plans for the project. To hear the full episode, head to our website or download from your preferred platform including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.The Beloved Community Project film is a 25 minute documentary that focuses on Dr. Martin Luther King's articulation of the Beloved Community in that it is possible to create civil, equitable and harmonious communities through non-violent social change.  The Beloved Community Project - through film, storytelling, history, current events and movement - addresses global issued with local relevance and asks what each of us can do for change.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#UTCulture #UtahArts #UtahFilm #BlackJoy

This week we spoke with Jessica Kinsey, the Director/Curator of the Southern Utah Museum of Art. She spoke to us about what led up to her becoming the Director/Curator of SUMA and how her artistic exposure has influenced her life. In addition, she speaks to us about the history of the museum, its significance to the southern Utah community, and some interesting details that allow the museum to provide quality care for its collections. You can hear more of our conversation by heading to our website or listening on your preferred podcast platform including Apple Podcasts.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#utculture #utaharts #utahmuseums

This week we spoke with John Pugh, the Co-Founder and Vice President for the Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU). He discusses the significance of FMASU and what exactly differentiates the organization from other film-presenting entities. John also talks about the Guerilla Filmmaking Challenges that are put on by FMASU as well as the Desertscape International Film Festival and what it means to the southern Utah community. To hear more of our conversation, be sure to listen on our website or through your preferred podcast platform including Apple Podcastshttps://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#utculture #utaharts

This week, we spoke to Jennifer Ortiz, the new Director of the Utah Division of State History (UDSH). Jennifer talks to us about her career thus far and what experience and lessons she hopes to bring to the UDSH. Also, we discuss the history of the Division, various goals for the Division going forward, and new programs that you can look to in the future. If you would like to hear more, you can head to our website or download this episode from your preferred podcast site.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#utculture #utaharts

This week, we spoke to Emily Reed, the new Community Arts Manager of the City of St. George. In our conversation, we speak to Emily about her new responsibilities as Community Arts Manager, what she perceives the support for artists in St. George is like, and St. George's new Art Bus project during the Summer. If you would like to hear more, head to our website or download from your preferred podcast outlet such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#utculture #utaharts #stgeorge 

In this episode, we speak to Victoria Petro-Eschler, Olivia Torgersen, and Alexis Heris of Salty Cricket Composers Collective. The Collective is dedicated to creating positive, prosperous, and empowered futures for all through innovative approaches to music, education, and outreach. They speak to us about their "El Sistema" afterschool program and what it means to the many diverse populations that Salty Cricket serves. If you want to hear more, download this episode from your favorite podcast distributor or by heading to our website using the link below.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#utculture #utaharts #utahmusic

This week we spoke to Zachary Norman, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Horacio Rodriguez, the current artist-in-residence, at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. They speak to us about how the arts have influenced their lives and what Horacio's exhibit "Radicalized Relics" means to him and for visitors to the museum. If you would like to hear more, head to our website linked below or download from your preferred podcast facilitator like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes#utculture #utaharts #utahmuseums

This week, we spoke to Kristin Rector who is the Executive Director of NOVA Chamber Music Series. She speaks to us about how they adapted to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kristin details what exactly can be heard in "The NOVA Podcast" and what the significance of one of their most recent performances "Rising Tide" was. 

Today, we speak with Danielle Rowe, a photographer and storyteller in Utah. She speaks to us about her latest project "Black Utah," a project in which she aims to show Black individuals across Utah in their comfortable environment. 

This week, we spoke to Hannah Farr, Artistic Director and Founder, of West Works Theatre. Hannah tells us about the brand new permanent facility coming for West Works Theatre in addition to what the Theatre has been up to during the pandemic and information on their blog "The Surly Mermaid." Listen more by downloading from your preferred podcast service or by heading to our website below:https://www.utahculturalalliance.org/podcast_culture_bytes

This week, we speak to Jerry Rapier, Artistic Director for Plan-B Theatre Company. He speaks to us on what the significance of having a presenting organization like Plan-B Theatre Company in the state of Utah is. He also details what he has learned in implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion in to his practices and how the Company continues to provide programming via a virtual format.

This week, we spoke to Michaelle Martial, founder of Caribbean Nightingale LLC. She speaks to us about the significance of her organization and how it serves to "promote the healing powers of the arts and diversity in Utah and abroad." In addition, she discusses the #BlackJoyIs blog that is housed on Caribbean Nightingales' website, along with the Relaxation Through Verse poetry series, and boutique offered to visitors.

This week, we spoke to Joshua Stavros, Associate Director of the Arts Administration program at Southern Utah University. He details what exactly Arts Administration means for the cultural industry and what types of curriculum students learn within the program. In addition, he details what the significance of learning Arts Administration is especially in confronting challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week, we spoke with Dr. Ruby Chou, Executive Director for the Mundi Project. She speaks to us about the impact of several programs run by the Mundi Project including their Piano Brank program and various professional development webinars offered to educators.

This week, we speak to Sara Penny, who is the Vice President of the Cedar City Arts Council. She speaks to us today about the significance of her work in relation to providing funding and support for cultural events and artists in southern Utah, specifically Cedar City. She also speaks to us about the Council's Mini Grants and Art Walks that include a variety of organizations and individual art projects within Cedar City.

This week, we spoke to Shandra Benito, Executive Director of Art Access! Shandra discusses various facets of her work including the significance of providing opportunities to create art for artists with disabilities and other marginalized communities. In addition, she discusses the benefits and specifics of her programming such as Art Access' "Partners," "Breaking Barriers," and their teacher development workshops.

This week, we spoke to Della Lowe, PR and Marketing Director for DOCUTAH, the International Documentary Film Festival at Dixie State University. She speaks to us about what it means for DOCUTAH to provide a "global experience" as part of the festival as well as adaptations they've had to make for the COVID-19 pandemic. She also details what it means to the students of DSU to have an international film festival right on their doorstep to both learn from and engage with.

This week, we spoke to Max Barnewitz, one of the co-founds of the Queer Spectra Arts Festival. They speak to us about how Queer Spectra came to be and what it means to provide a safe space for queer performing arts to be conceptualized and performed. They also speak to us about how the various difficulties and most rewarding moments about creating and leading such a unique organization here in Utah.

This week, we spoke to Solange Gomes, the Founder, Principal Dancer, Artistic Director, and Choreographer for Tablado Dance Company. She speaks about her experience teaching dance within Utah in comparison to her time in South America. Gomes also speaks on how she aims to provide dance education across Utah.

This week we spoke with Brad Westwood, the Senior Historian at the Utah Department of Heritage and Arts about the new blog series Salt Lake West Side Stories: A History of the Pioneer Park Neighborhood. This serial blog series explores the history of the Pioneer Park Neighborhood and the many different communities that contributed to its growth and history.

This week, we spoke with Jyothsna Sainath, Executive Director of the Nitya Nritya Foundation. She discusses the rewarding experience of bringing the classicial Indian art form of Bharatanatyam dance to Utah as well as what it means to perform this movement.

This week, we spoke with Thaine Fischer, Managing Partner at The Monarch in Ogden. Thaine delved into what exactly The Monarch is and what types of programming can be found there in conjunction with Ogden Contemporary Arts. He also detailed more about the "Monarch in Moda" mural installed at The Monarch and what it means to be the heart of the Nine Rails Creative District. Take a listen!

In this episode, we speak to Brooke Horesji, Executive Director of Utah Presents, on her role within the organization. We specifically focus on Utah Presents' efforts of implementing DEIA in to their everyday practices and what she has learned from doing so. In addition, we speak about Artists Elevated, Utah Presents' new program focusing on highlighting the stories of underrepresented groups within the arts and humanities.

This week we speak to Stephen Brown, Executive and Artistic Director for SB Dance. He speaks to us about his experience in the performing arts space and how SB Dance has adapted to COVID-19, especially with their "Curbside Theater" program.

This week, we spoke with Connie Nelson, Executive Director of the Alf Engen Ski Museum. She details how the museum has approached re-opening during the pandemic, especially with the return of larger crowds than expected. She also tells us of things she has learned in her experience as Executive Director.

In this episode, our Programs Coordinator Ernesto Balderas speaks with Jayrod Garett and Wynter the Poet from Utah Black Artists Collective. They speak about establishing UBLAC in the era of COVID-19 and during the Black Lives Matter movement. They also discuss becoming a black artist in Utah, supporting other black artists, and advocating for arts in education, especially for children of color.

This week, Ernesto Balderas, Programs Coordinator for Utah Cultural Alliance, speaks with Serah Mead, General Manager for KZMU Moab Community Radio. Serah speaks about the variety of programs available through KZMU in addition to the artists showcased by KZMU and lessons she has learned about reaching and highlighting the Indigenous community within Moab.

This week, we speak to Sheri Gibbs, Executive Director for Clever Octopus, and Melanie Espinal, Communications Director for Clever Octopus. They share with us their various goals on obtaining and reusing materials for art programs and projects for Clever Octopus programming.

This episode, we speak with Rhiana Medina, Executive Director for Moab Valley Multicultural Center. Hear about what the Center accomplishes for Moab and their local community along with their Multicultural Mural.

For this week's episode, we speak to Conlon Bonner, Hale Center Theatre Sandy's new Director of Diversity and Outreach. Conlon outlines what his new role will entail at HCT Sandy and some goals he has for the Diversity and Outreach committee at the organization.

In this week's episode, we speak to Susi Feltch-Malohifo’ou of Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources. We discuss the various aspects of her organization and what it means to truly reach the under served Pacific Islander community within Utah.

Join us as we talk to Wes Whitby from Treehouse Museum! Wes is the Programs Manager for Treehouse Museum and Director of the Treehouse Troupe for the Museum. We discuss the many ways that Treehouse Museum has adapted to the challenges of COVID-19.

We speak to Melanie Budge, Manager of Development, Marketing, and Communications for West Valley Arts, a member-organization of Utah Cultural Alliance. She discusses with us the various items of discussion within her organization as to how best to tackle COVID-19 and ensuring that programming can still happen. She also tells us a bit about what she has learned in approaching DEIA within her organization and what she thinks could be done better to ensure cultures are well-represented in West Valley Arts' programming.

This week, we start a new season of our podcasts looking at an organization that strives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within all of their programming for the state of Utah. Join our Programs Coordinator intern, Ernesto Balderas, as he discusses Mexican-American artwork and the experience of Mexican American artists in Utah with Fanny Bauer and Jorge Rodriguez, Board Members of Artes de Mexico en Utah.

In this episode, we discuss Utah's economic response to the challenges posed to organizations during these times of COVID-19. Joining us is guest Ben Hart, the Deputy Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development.

For this episode, we spoke to Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives Brad Wilson on various issues related to the arts and humanities within Utah. Speaker Wilson gives some background in to initiatives he would like to see implemented to support the cultural sector and what the arts and humanities means to him.

In this special episode we spoke with GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Jon Huntsman about his positions regarding the arts and humanities. He took questions live via zoom! Stay tuned for more interviews like this one with the rest of the candidates!

In this special episode we spoke with GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Thomas Wright about his positions regarding arts, humanities, film, and museums. He took questions live via zoom! Stay tuned for more interviews like this one with the rest of the candidates!

We spoke with Tim Riley about Archeology, Early Peoples, and the new exhibit opening at the Prehistoric Museum. Learn more here.Check out virtual events here.See what is reopening here.

We spoke with Caitlin McDonald the Program Manager for the Utah Humanities Utah Center for Local Initiatives. Learn more here.Events as heard in this episodeRirie Woodbury Virtual Creative Movement Dance Class for Young Movers 11 AM every week dayLocals Lounge Every Night at 7PM Facebook Live presented by Mountain Town Music and O.P. Rockwell and Park City Summit county Arts councilOnline Gardening Classes presented by the Utah Arts Alliance Livestreamed on Facebook