Culture Bytes

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.