Summary

Jerome Larez shares his artistic journey and the founding story of Artitude, an organization dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ and marginalized artists in Dallas and beyond. We explore themes of representation, community-building, and the power of reclaiming words through art. Jerome also discusses the challenges and opportunities facing queer artists today and the future of Artitude’s programming and outreach.

Keywords

  • Jerome Larez
  • Artitude
  • Queer artists
  • LGBTQ+ arts
  • Dallas art community
  • MariconX
  • Intersectional art
  • Art and activism
  • Black and Latinx artists
  • Inclusive art spaces

Takeaways

  • Jerome’s artistic roots began in music but transitioned to photography and mixed media, especially black-and-white photography, which became a therapeutic way to explore his queer identity.
  • Artitude was born from conversations among marginalized artists about representation gaps in Dallas' queer and art communities, aiming to create inclusive, cross-cultural platforms.
  • The organization's flagship program, MariconX, reclaims a historically pejorative term to empower Latinx queer artists and embraces inclusivity by adding an "X" to the name.
  • Artitude intentionally fosters multicultural programming, exemplified by projects that blend traditions like Día de los Muertos with diverse artistic perspectives, including Black artists.
  • Jerome balances multiple civic and cultural roles to influence broader access, equity, and representation for marginalized artists in Dallas.
  • Recent funding from the Ford Foundation has allowed Artitude to hire staff, expand programs, and offer scholarships, increasing their capacity and community impact.
  • The organization confronts challenges such as exclusion from events like the Texas State Fair when requiring LGBTQ+ recognition, and continues advocacy for visibility and support.
  • Artitude fosters community and solidarity through art, creating safe spaces where artists can be vulnerable and authentic, inspiring mentorship and connection across identity intersections.
  • Jerome emphasizes the importance of dialogue, strategic alliances, and creating tables where marginalized voices can be heard rather than forcing entry.
  • Looking ahead, Artitude seeks to deepen cross-cultural collaboration and expand its influence regionally, including exhibitions at NYU and continued outreach in Texas cities such as San Antonio.

Chapters

  • 00:00 – Introduction and Artistic Journey of Jerome Larez
  • 04:50 – Founding of Artitude: The Starbucks Meeting and Early Conversations
  • 07:30 – Defining Multicultural Programming and Cross-Cultural Artistic Expression
  • 10:10 – Jerome’s Civic Roles and Integration with Artitude’s Mission
  • 14:30 – Artitude’s Unique Community and Representation Focus
  • 18:00 – Challenges in Dallas’ LGBTQ+ Arts Landscape and Funding Issues
  • 21:40 – Reclaiming “MariconX”: Name, Controversy, and Inclusivity
  • 26:00 – The Evolving Themes of MariconX and Adaptation Across Cities
  • 28:00 – Solidarity Through Artistic Collaboration and Safe Spaces
  • 31:30 – Impact of Ford Foundation Grant on Artitude’s Growth and Programming
  • 35:00 – Navigating Controversies: Texas State Fair and Advocacy
  • 38:20 – Managing Artitude Across Distance with Co-Director Rafik
  • 40:00 – Future Aspirations: El Pueblo Unido Exhibit and Regional Expansion
  • 43:00 – Mentorship and Advice for Emerging Queer Artists of Color
  • 44:40 – Hope for the Future: Artists’ Persistence and Voices
  • 46:50 – Quickfire Lightning Round: Personal Artistic Insights

Guest Info

Jerome Larez

Resources and Links

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