Free City Radio
Tuesday October 15th, 2024 with Stefan Christoff
Mexico City's 316centro and alternative culture today

Listen to an interview with cultural worker and curator José Cortés Ortega about the cultural space 316centro in the heart of Mexico City. This interview explores the ways that the space creates an opening for experimental music and cultural in a cultural landscape that is radically different from other major cities in North America. Here we hear about the work to create Mexico oriented cultural programming that feeds the local scenes and all the complexities involved. For example the fact that the space is in the historic centre of the city which is a key area of the megacity where Indigenous migrants from around Mexico, but also the broader Central American region, arrive at and work to make a living. This space takes a radically different approach from traditional art centres that are less accessible. Also we hear about the ways that contemporary musicians in Mexico interact with people creating current takes on cultural traditions like the La danza del venado (deer dance). For more information on 316centro visit: www.316centro.com Thanks to the Social Justice Centre for supporting my work on this weekly program.