Eva Arreguin was ready to move away from Dallas after completing her degree at the University of North Texas, but a lack of diversity in Dallas’ art scene beckoned her to stay and help change it.
Rafael “Rafa” Tamayo, a manager at Oak Cliff Cultural Center, approached Arreguin about joining the team to increase the visibility of marginalized creatives after the two met at a Selena-themed event at the Center, the Dallas Observer reported.
The two, along with Arreguin’s sister, Pat Arreguin, formed De Colores Collective. The group is dedicated to providing artists of color with a space to show their art and share ideas through De Colores’ exhibits, podcast episodes, and social events, according to the Observer.
Rafael Tamayo, De Colores Collective co-founder, met Eva Arreguin at a Selena-themed event at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center. [Photo: Screenshot via Des Colores Collective video]
“We felt like there was something missing here in Dallas,” Eva Arreguin told the Observer. “Especially for people who look like us.”
While De Colores Radio, the group’s podcast, mainly focuses on pop culture and local artists, the series kicked off by first hosting local “Dreamer,” Edwin Romero, to talk about a more serious topic: immigration.
“The podcast gives us a voice; the art show gives us a stage; then the party gives us an escape,” Eva Arreguin told the Observer. “But there’s nothing cooler than seeing an artist react to their work being shown for the first time.”
De Colores Collective hosted a free party this June focused on mental health called “Grey Space,” showcasing local artists’ work.
“I’d love for us to become a trusted part of the community,” Pat Arreguin told the Observer. “Whether it’s through the podcast or the art show or the party, I want to provide a space where people can have a good time with their friends and forget about the world for a little bit.”
Pat Arreguin wants to “provide a space where people can have a good time with their friends and forget about the world for a little bit.” [Photo: Screenshot via Des Colores Collective video]
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