Refolkus
Monday September 16th, 2024 with Rosalyn Dennett
Music in Community at the West End Cultural Centre with Jorge Requena Ramos

In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Jorge Requena Ramos, Artistic Director of the West End Cultural Centre (WECC). Jorge takes us through the rich history and community impact of the WECC as a key venue for music and culture, hosting diverse performances and fostering connections through the arts. Jorge also discusses the WECC’s strong commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression, which is woven into their organizational strategy. He also dives into his work as a performing artist with his band, The Mariachi Ghost, who summon the ghosts of old Mexico through traditional Mexican song. Sign up to the WECC newsletter below: https://www.wecc.ca/newsletter-sign-up Find West End Cultural Centre online: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thewecc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestEndCulturalCentre/ Website: http://www.wecc.ca/ Find The Mariachi Ghost online: Instagram: http://instagram.com/mariachighost Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheMariachiGhost Website: https://www.themariachighost.com/home About Jorge Requena Ramos Jorge Requena Ramos is a multi-disciplinary artist who grew up in Mexico City and now calls Winnipeg Manitoba his home. He has done extensive work as a film director, playwright and television producer. He became the Artistic director of the WECC in 2019 after spending a decade amongst performers, travelling across Canada, the US and Europe with his band “The Mariachi Ghost”. In his tender at the WECC he has overseen the development and growth of Winterruption a festival that celebrates life in a winter city at -40 below. He has also helped the WECC transition into an Anti-racist, Anti-Oppressive strategic plan that will see their programming and practices reflect the truly diverse fabric of Canada.