We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monica Maldonado a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I have done is the Uvalde 21 Portrait Murals. This tragedy impacted a small town that is approx 82% Latino. This was the deadlist mascarre in Texas against children. This project was emotionally and physically overwhelming. Part of the process was learning about the children and spending time with the familyies. There’s a level of trauma that’s absorbed through that engangemet. Realizing the need, lack of resources and broken hearts within the community inspired me to continue pushing. I have heard time and time again from the families that the murals are a space where they can spend time with their loved one. This project is a small way to help with the healing of Uvalde. It also memorlizes the children so that we may never forget, through their images we gain courage to continue fighting for our communities.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Monica Maldonado established MAS Cultura in the summer of June 2021. Raised in South Austin by a single immigrant mother, her inspiration is fueled by early childhood struggles. Both as an Austin Native and with 20+ years in multi-family property management she understands the inevitable change that comes with growth. Both her personal struggle and understanding of gentrification drives her passion for culture preservation. She believes that culture preservation and celebration of Latino culture begins with accessibility and representation.

Monica’s first project was curated in 2019, a pop art event showcasing photography of Austin’s Lowriders. Throughout 2020 and 2021 she has organized murals, initiated events/programming, and volunteered in areas identified as underserved. Monica also has been a strong supporter of emerging and underrepresented Latino artists. In 2021 Monica was the Project Manager of the inaugural Latino Art WKND, a three-day experience showcasing art from 65 Latino artists. She currently sits on the Cap Metro Art Committee, a participating member of the working group for the City of Austin Cultural Arts funding program, and a past juror for the AIPP (Art in Public Places) Dove Springs Health Facility. She was recently named a 2022 DivInc Champion of Change Rising Star Nominee .

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience through social medial by liking, commenting, reposting, etc. The worse thing to expect is for others to promote without doing it in return or initiating it. Also building a social media by seeking and following like minded organiizations or businesses is important.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

There is not a particular goal expect to inspire and create opportunites for others. As creatives the lack of funding or opportunies can easily give a sense of scarcity. We must trust that there is enough for all of us to shine and that visions are worthy of being realized.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mascultura.org
• Instagram: @m.a.s.cultura