Today we’d like to introduce you to Dabrina Sandifer.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Esurient Arts was birthed after the art gallery I was managing dissolved. After years of researching and developing what exactly I wanted to contribute to arts besides being a creator myself, it just intuitively seemed like the right time.
I was already in the midst of planning it and the moment to execute seemed as plain as day. I had already worked with various arts-based entities as an independent contractor and already did private coaching for years. I had a skill set, a drive, and most importantly a vision.
It has gotten where it is today due to tenacity, determination, faith, a demand from the people, and continued needs in the creative community.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been absolutely beautiful in many ways; however, to whom much is given, much is required. I am not only the Founder/ Executive Artistic Director & Programming Manager, but also an on air radio personality/producer for “Living Art” on 90.1 kpft, active & in demand creator (director, writer, etc.), balancing a full time position in my dual career in social services/crisis intervention/community outreach, and I still assist others via consultation/volunteer efforts, etc. That demands much balance and discipline. My personal time can suffer greatly with such a demanding schedule.
Also, I am very driven by purpose. Naturally, I am not easily inspired to persuade or convince others in a contrived manner to buy into the vision. I do not seek much trivial validation, which in an ego-driven, high sensitivity, often political field can be misinterpreted or mislabeled by some. I get it, but ultimately people still manage to find us and receive what we truly intend to create, which is safe spaces for creatives to develop, explore, create, and tell needed stories.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Esurient Arts story. Tell us more about the business.
Esurient Arts strives to make professional development opportunities for artists, quality entertainment for private & corporate events, and quality art in various forms more accessible. We specialize in this in addition to youth programming. We are most known for bringing quality professional artists from other markets & Houston on board as teaching artists for our classes. This has included Delius Doherty (Broadway & television actor) Cameron J. Ross (LA-based award-winning filmmaker) Dime Davis ( LA-based Filmmaker in addition to series director & Co-Executive Producer of HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show), and Errol Anthony Wilks ( Houston based director & filmmaker). We are also know for our productions, exhibitions that have featured works by or curated with Ashura Bayaan, India Lovejoy, Linda Simien Kelly, and Brittany Pierre. In addition, we also know for our events such as Esurient Arts Presents: The Artist Gathering & Exchange. This multi-disciplinary mash up included featured performing artists, featured visual artists, spotlighted businesses, and networking opportunities. It included much diversity and was incredible.
We are most proud of the results our students receive from committing to the work, the quality we bring to the city, and the way we have managed to act as a conductor of connections between artists who may have never had a reason or opportunity to cross paths. We work with singers, writers, actors, directors, movers, visual artists, filmmakers, etc. There is power in that and it still amazes us.
What sets us apart is the fact that we are multi-disciplinary, we are an advocate for the underdog, and we keep tabs on the creative pulse of the city to serve what is needed versus what is trending to create fresh approaches & outcomes. We are also founded by a woman who is also a millennial & of color.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It can be quite unpredictable, but I believe the industry especially in the city of Houston is in the midst of an interesting transition. Either we will fall by the wayside or we will become a tastemaker in the ranks of Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta. The potential and resources are there. And Esurient Arts will be ready.
I believe we will see more bolder voices and artists emerge. That is exciting yet also dangerous as it could provoke additional measures of censorship.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (832) 856-1292
- Email: esurientarts@gmail.com
- Instagram: @esurientarts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esurienttheater/
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