New Urban Landscape
An Exhibition and Art Talk Series
The MAC Continues Innovative Programming.
The MAC will soon embark on a new series of exhibitions, art talks, and site-specific projects, revolving around the theme New Urban Landscape. Taking place from April through September 2016, programming will address the role of the arts in shaping the Cedars and the broader community of Dallas, striving to empower through the exchange of ideas, values, culture, and knowledge. Dallas and Fort Worth artists including* Willie Baronet, Christopher Blay, H. Schenck, Giovanni Valderas, and K. Yoland will explore issues related to homelessness, displacement, gentrification, and immigration.
The MAC is proud to be the anchor tenant of the energizing future commercial development at 1601 S. Ervay St., which will consist of a five-building complex with commercial galleries, restaurant and retail space, and urban green space. A large and diverse group of creatives call the historic Cedars neighborhood home, which is the reason why cultural events are so important to this area. The once blighted, inner-city neighborhood of southern Downtown is now witness to many noticeable changes – commercial developments, new galleries, and other nonprofit institutions have moved in. Also nearby are many of the city’s community and homeless-outreach organizations.
Exciting renovations of The MAC’s new home, a century-old complex in the Cedars, are already underway. However, this interruption has not deterred The MAC from presenting adventurous programming in the raw warehouse space, while pursuing options for a sustainable future once renovations are complete. From the collaboration with Aurora in October, the partnership with Cedars Open Studios in November, and Jeff Parrott’s show in February 2016, the 22-year-old institution has witnessed hundreds of visitors explore the captivating complex through exhibitions, installations and events. The driving force behind this pop-up-style programming is a vital component to The MAC’s mission: local artists and experimental programming.
*Upcoming Events (Subject to Change):
Willie Baronet will conceive a new iteration of his work “We Are All Homeless” which addresses the homeless issue specifically in the Cedars. Baronet has a performance and installation planned. We are partnering with The Stewpot due to their established art program which serves the homeless and at-risk populations. Baronet will give an Art Talk.
K Yoland, will discuss her art practice and how it explores the nature of identity, power and borders in our society. Yoland will also present her new body of work “Letters without an address.”
Christopher Blay is a Fort Worth based artist who will give an Art Talk on his project “The Ark on Noah St.” The project focused on utilizing vacant homes and activating neighbors in order to bring attention to a historic neighborhood in South Dallas.
Giovanni Valderas will present “Forged Utopia” a new body of work which addresses gentrification and its impact on Latino communities in Dallas. Valderas will also give an art talk.
When/Where
New Urban Landscape will take place from April through September of this year – stay tuned for more details on specific projects.
The MAC
1601 South Ervay Street
Dallas, TX 75215
214.953.1212
entrance on 1600 Gano St.
Sponsored by: Texas Commission on the Arts, City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, Sally Francis Public Relations