Tune into this video to see how artist Luis MacKinney uses his creative expression to champion health equity and address critical issues within the Latinx community, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing effects.

What you'll discover in this video:

• Healing Through Art: Learn about Luis's transition from using art as a personal coping mechanism to engaging wider community involvement. Hear his story of how art provided solace pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic and inspired him to guide others in starting their artistic journeys.
• Art as Social Commentary: Explore Luis's impactful art that speaks on vital topics like mental health. See how his work not only raises awareness but also sparks important conversations, fostering a more informed and compassionate community.
• Empowering the Community: Luis believes that everyone has the resources to begin their art practice—the key is to take that first step. Get inspired by his encouragement and practical advice for aspiring artists in the Latinx community and beyond.

Join us to understand the transformative power of art in promoting health equity and initiating social change.

This Durham Creative Voices Rising episode is proudly supported by Bull City Strong and its Say Something Strong Project. Bull City Strong is a community-based partnership aimed at reducing the increased risk of COVID-19 among historically marginalized populations in Durham County, including Black and Hispanic communities. This podcast is brought to you by Antonio Alanis Art, where we're dedicated to amplifying artists' voices and fostering wellness within our community through the arts.

Join us in this interview with Cornelio Campos, a painter and muralist dedicated to using his work for social change and community building. In this episode, Cornelio shares how he leverages artistic expression to connect diverse communities, creating shared experiences that bridge cultural and social barriers. He discusses the educational power of art in raising awareness about critical issues that impact health equity, which include immigration, social justice, and cultural pride for Hispanic/Latin American immigrants in North Carolina. Cornelio also explores his commitment to celebrating cultural diversity through his artwork, which honors his culture and heritage while using the arts to educate others, thus helping to build a more inclusive community narrative. As an advocate for social change, Cornelio uses his art to highlight injustices and inspire discussions that lead to meaningful community reforms and greater equity.

Don’t miss this deep dive into how Cornelio’s art aims for a lasting impact, instilling that art can be an organizing tool and the first step in creating social change for his Latin American community. Tune in to see how art can be a powerful catalyst for community transformation and social action.

This Durham Creative Voices Rising episode is proudly supported by Bull City Strong and its Say Something Strong Project. Bull City Strong is a community-based partnership aimed at reducing the increased risk of COVID-19 among historically marginalized populations in Durham County, including Black and Hispanic communities. This podcast is brought to you by Antonio Alanis Art, where we're dedicated to amplifying artists' voices and fostering wellness within our community through the arts.

In his interview, Willie Contraband discusses his role as an artist, writer, public speaker, and social entrepreneur focused on promoting health equity and community healing through art. Willie recounts his journey into the arts, starting with his engagement in spoken word poetry during a dark time, and using it as a way to bounce back. His project, "SWIM," (Spoken Words in Motion) symbolizes navigating life's challenges and finding resilience through music.

Willie emphasizes the role of art in building community connections, understanding, and healing, particularly highlighting its importance during the isolating times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He details his involvement in various artistic projects, including spoken word performances, which foster dialogue and enhance public spaces, making art accessible to multidisciplinary, historically excluded artistic voices.

Furthermore, Willie talks about his mental health-focused arts programming and collaborations. These efforts are designed to give people the tools to express themselves and share their stories, which he views as essential steps toward achieving a healthier, more inclusive community.

Through his creative endeavors, Willie underscores the transformative power of art in overcoming social barriers and creating shared spaces for impactful dialogue and understanding. His work exemplifies how art can be a powerful catalyst for social change, community engagement, and personal and collective healing.

This Durham Creative Voices Rising episode is proudly supported by Bull City Strong and its Say Something Strong Project. Bull City Strong is a community-based partnership aimed at reducing the increased risk of COVID-19 among historically marginalized populations in Durham County, including Black and Hispanic communities. This podcast is brought to you by Antonio Alanis Art, where we're dedicated to amplifying artists' voices and fostering wellness within our community through the arts.

The Impact of Storytelling on Health Equity: A Case Study by Carolina Fonseca

In her interview, Carolina Fonseca Jimenez discusses how she uses her writing to promote health equity in her community through the power of art and storytelling. She highlights her initiatives that aim to bridge cultural divides and enhance community well-being. She talks about her work with children, using her children's book, Lupita and the Magic of Mexico, as a tool to educate young people about cultural heritage and identity, fostering pride and self-worth that is crucial for mental and emotional health.

Carolina describes her workshops and community events as designed to engage families and children in creative activities that celebrate cultural diversity and address social issues. These programs encourage participants to express themselves, share their stories, and connect with others, which Carolina sees as essential steps toward building a healthier, more inclusive community.

She emphasizes the role of art in healing and recovery, particularly its ability to provide an outlet for individuals to cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. By fostering an environment where people feel valued and understood, Carolina believes that art can be a significant force in promoting health equity and addressing disparities in her community.

This Durham Creative Voices Rising episode is proudly supported by Bull City Strong and its Say Something Strong Project. Bull City Strong is a community-based partnership aimed at reducing the increased risk of COVID-19 among historically marginalized populations in Durham County, including Black and Hispanic communities. This podcast is brought to you by Antonio Alanis Art, where we're dedicated to amplifying artists' voices and fostering wellness within our community through the arts.

In his interview, Quay Weston discusses how he utilizes his artistic talents to promote health equity within his community. Quay emphasizes the role of art and creativity in addressing and healing the emotional and psychological wounds caused by social disparities and public health crises, such as COVID-19. He highlights his engagement in various artistic projects, including writing, music, and public art installations, which are designed to foster community dialogue, enhance public spaces, and uplift underrepresented voices.

He also speaks about specific projects that directly tackle issues of health disparity. For instance, his book projects and spoken word performances are crafted to not only entertain but educate and provoke thought on important social issues like mental health, access to healthcare, and the cultural dimensions of wellness.

Through his creative endeavors, Quay Weston actively contributes to building a more equitable society by using art as a tool for social change, community engagement, and collective healing. His approach underscores the powerful role of the arts in not just reflecting society but actively shaping it towards greater inclusivity and health equity.

This Durham Creative Voices Rising episode is proudly supported by Bull City Strong and its Say Something Strong Project. Bull City Strong is a community-based partnership aimed at reducing the increased risk of COVID-19 among historically marginalized populations in Durham County, including Black and Hispanic communities. This podcast is brought to you by Antonio Alanis Art, where we're dedicated to amplifying artists' voices and fostering wellness within our community through the arts.