By Stacy Keith
With Valentines Day fast approaching and love in the air, it got me thinking about my own love of art and the creative sector in Lubbock in particular. The Lubbock Cultural Arts Foundation began in 2020, we came quietly on the scene as COVID-19 was forcing the closer of so many venues and facilities. To say it was a difficult time doesn’t do it justice, musicians and artists couldn’t perform, couldn’t travel or exhibit their work. As we came out of that period and things began to reopen it was sort of like watching a time lapse image of a bud blooming. The City of Lubbock received its Texas Music Friendly Certification and then its Film Friendly Certification both from the state of Texas and performances started happening again and the arts blossomed. As this began to happen, I began to get out and meet people, hold socials (Arts After Hours) and cover events. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned that I’d like to share for this season of love in respect to the arts of Lubbock.
- Lubbock artists embrace the new. Whether it’s a new social event we try to connect people or a professional workshop, Lubbock artists and performers turn up, enthusiastic, supportive and kind.
- Lubbock artists and performers open their doors. I have spent a lot of time talking to people, exploring venues and asking questions. I’ve always been welcomed with open arms and an anxiousness to share their vision or space with me.
- Lubbock has the best music. We have the best music because we have the absolute best musicians. Talent abounds in Lubbock and is evident through songwriting, guitar playing and performing. Mostly though, Lubbock musicians have heart. We have an incredible team working to build a unique music conference/event for the 806, giving their time, their connections anything they can all with the motive to elevate the music economy for the young musicians coming up. There is an incredible synergy in the music industry in Lubbock.
- Lubbock has the best public art. It seems everywhere you look there is art – the City of Lubbock has an incredible public art collection as does the Texas Tech University System. Murals appear in expected and unexpected places and beautify our landscape and bring joy to our days.
- Lubbock has talent. We have artists who perform, dance, paint, do mixed media, and sculpt. We have artists who write, create poems and can captivate with a song. Lubbock is very rich in talent all within a community that supports and nurtures one another.
- Lubbock has great venues. From the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, LHUCA, CASP, the Blue Light Live, the Cactus Theater and numerous private galleries, Lubbock is hard to top to find venues which offer such diverse cultural experiences and such a wide selection of art.
Picasso said, “The purpose of art is washing the dust off our souls.” I agree with Picasso, and I also think that the arts can create joy and memories with those we love.
Lubbock is special and I didn’t realize how special until I really got involved with the artists in our community. I humbly encourage you to do the same – visit a gallery, attend a show and breathe in this special ingredient of the 806. You won’t regret it.
