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
- 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.
- 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
Jerome Larez
Resources and Links- Art in the Raw Substack Newsletter
- Art in the Raw on Instagram
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- New Podcast Episodes: Insights, interviews, and discussions that inspire.
- Drink & Draw Events: Join us monthly for fun nights of creativity and connection at The Dallas Eagle
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