The Makers

A series highlighting creatives of color making an impact in the local arts scene.

Duane Slick, "Crafting a Consequential Narrative," 2020. (Courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)

These artists shared what inspired them in 2023

As we reflect on the year, and all of the moments that brought us joy, we checked in with a group of folks that have inspired us at WBUR: members...

WBUR Presents: The 2023 Makers

These 10 artists of color are interrogating the past, reframing the present day and imagining a better future.

Szu-Chieh Yun interrogates systems of power through art

For the 35-year-old painter, her work has provided an avenue to articulate feelings that may have been hard for her to speak or write about. "It's a way for me...

Rixy uses spray paint to create her own world and make space in this one

Growing up in Boston, the visual artist saw murals and graffiti and knew there was power in public art. Now, she paints her own works showcasing characters from an inclusive...

In the wake of loss, singer-songwriter Kimaya Diggs comes into her own

The Easthampton musician's new songs are emotive, yet unsentimental. Kind of like Diggs herself.

Gabriel Sosa explores language and justice in his multimedia creations

Early in his career, the artist worked as a court translator where he witnessed how power can be exerted through words. Now, he probes that idea through murals, collages and...

For Boston poet Dzidzor, performance is a lot like church

The artist might be best known for Black Cotton Club and her uncanny ability to draw people in. But beneath her warm stage presence is a politics of Black liberation.

Bridging Black America's past and present, Danny Rivera revives songs of the enslaved

The 22-year-old vocalist has been bringing back historic spirituals first sung by enslaved Black people in America. He says the works transcend time, “because they not only share what has...

Afghan pianist Arson Fahim fights for musicians oppressed by the Taliban

Since arriving at the Longy School of Music two years ago, he's made it his mission to pursue social justice through his music. "And actually 'fight' is a good word...

Theater maker Alison Qu centers Asian American stories onstage

Qu is the founder and executive director of CHUANG Stage, which tells stories bilingually and transculturally. In the five years since the company’s founding, Qu has grown into one of...

Alison Croney Moses tells her story of motherhood in wooden sculptures

As a woodworker and artist, Croney Moses has distinguished her style of curved wood veneer sculptures over the last several years, shaping wood almost as if it were clay.

Olympic hopeful Alex Diaz brings optimism and originality to breakdancing

The Roxbury native's b-boy name is El Niño because of his fast-paced and aggressive style. His talents have made him a Red Bull-sponsored athlete, multiple-time world breakdancing champion and earned...

Arts & Culture

04:59Oct 15, 2023

WBUR Presents: The Makers

These artists of color are leaving their imprint on Massachusetts and elevating their artforms.

Arts & Culture

Sep 19, 2022