Mission
THE URBAN-15 GROUP is dedicated to the living arts of our region. Since its genesis in 1974, the organization has devoted its energies to creating original work combining Music, Movement and Media for communities throughout Texas, Mexico and the U.S. Even in our modern times as an international city San Antonio remains a frontier outpost. It is a place of diverse cultures where the past and present often exist side by side. This has led us to develop a philosophy of inclusion, combining Traditional Latino Culture with Modern Artistic Aesthetics, crossing lines of gender, class, race, religion and breaking the prejudice barriers of size, age and physical beauty. URBAN-15 is on the forefront of creating a new folk art reflective of contemporary San Antonio while providing artistic access for our community.
Organizational History
URBAN-15 started in 1974 as an Experimental Performance Ensemble with fifteen artists making art with the city. Conceptual artists, electronic music composers, dancers, environmental sculptors we were using the city as our stage/canvas. Fast forward: Thirty-three years as an arts group, twenty-four years as a non-profit we are still using the city as our canvass as street dancers, drummers and media artists. Our goal is to create situations that stimulate the imagination of each one.
URBAN-15 CENTER FOR CELEBRATION ARTS
In 2003, URBAN-15 purchased a property at 2500 S. Presa. This site consists of a three building complex. A red brick church a two story Dormitory and a one-story structure with an enclosed garden. The total complex area is 19,631 sq. ft. This is now the permanent home of the URBAN-15 Group as it transforms the campus into The Center for Celebration Arts in South Side San Antonio.
URBAN-15 fills a specific role in the community’s cultural life by providing:
* Lifelong Learning Opportunities
* Cultural Events
* Professional Development
Teaching Staff
Catherine Cisneros, Artistic Director of THE URBAN-15 GROUP
Both a dancer and visual artist, Catherine has danced with:
Kista Tucker DanceArt
Donna Gardner modern dance company
THE URBAN-15 GROUP
She has taught dance for:
The Texas Commision on the Arts
Healy Murphy Learning Center
San Antonio Museum of Art
City of San Antonio Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs
ArtsTeach
San Antonio Academy Summer Arts Program
Kids Connection
Anita Casas, Associate Director of THE URBAN 15 GROUP
She has danced with:
Teresa Champion - Flamenco
Ballet Folklorico de San Antonio
Gisela Noriega Company
Eduardo Montemayor - Flamenco
Gisela Noriega Company
Anita has taught for THE URBAN 15 GROUP
Deirdre Ann LaCour, Assistant Director
She has danced with:
Anike
THE URBAN 15 GROUP
Deirdre has taught for THE URBAN 15 GROUP
Board of Directors
Hector J. Gonzalez ___________ President
William Albright ______________ Vice President
Jane Thomas ________________Secretary
Roger Solis__________________Treasurer
Mary Alice Cisneros ___________ Director
|
