Performances
On the NIIC MainStage each year, we feature moving, spirit-lifting performances by diverse artists working in many genres – grassroots and nationally renowned talents alike. Meet the Houston- and Texas-based artists who will perform at NIIC 2024 here:
Dance Afrikana
Founded and led by Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Gary (PhD, MFA, MA, MPA), since its inception in 2016, Dance Afrikana’s mission has been to create a world where people of the African Diaspora are empowered and connected through the African dance tradition, and where dancers have the safe space and platform to grow artistically and culturally. Dance Afrikana offers unique programming as the only dance company in the city teaching and offering certain dances of the Diaspora. As such, it is a valuable commodity to the community of Houston and beyond.
Dance Afrikana presents two annual productions that highlight Afro/Black dance to educate the public on important aspects of diasporic culture through dance, including Kuumba: A Celebration of Afro Dance and the Juneteenth Celebration. Both of these productions explore important elements within the African diaspora (culturally and historically), as well as engage world class performers and artists to display the artistry of the diaspora.
As a partner of Houston Metropolitan Dance, Dance Afrikana offers weekly dance classes for adults and teens. Additionally, Dance Afrikana is home to the Houston Black Dance Collective (HBDC). The mission of HBDC is to support Houston-based dance organizations and individual dancers and choreographers that are a part of the African Diaspora, and to foster a space of collaboration amongst Houston’s black dance community.
Dance Afrikana is fiscally sponsored by Fresh Arts and has received numerous awards from the Houston Arts Alliance and Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs including the City’s Initiative Grant (2019), two Cares Act Grants (2020), and the Support for Organizations Grant (2021).
Danza Azteca
Danza Azteca is a traditional ceremonial Azteca dance group that is dedicated to preserving and nurturing ancient Mesoamerica knowledge through kinetic movement, art, culture, and rituals honoring our ancestors. Our goal is to respectfully uphold the sacred oral traditions left behind by our elders while sharing this cultural knowledge as a way of fostering unity and connections between all cultures. We honor the seven directions and sacred elements, the water, air, earth, and fire during our ritual dances. In this way, our ceremonies and public presentations celebrate cultural diversity by exploring the links that bring us together. The synchronicity of our drum beat with our footsteps is what evokes the ancient memory of our ancestors and creates connectivity among all peoples. Colorful regalia, long vibrant feathers, drums, seed pods, flutes, mandolins, and other Mesoamerican instruments unite to create a mind-expanding experience that reflects the cultural heritage of Mexico as well as North and Central America. Our group offers cultural and artistic presentations and free educational workshops for all ages.
Aris Kian
Aris Kian is a Houston enthusiast and student of abolition. She ranked #2 in the 2023 Womxn of the World Poetry Slam and #1 at the 2024 Southern Fried Poetry Slam with her team Smoke Slam. Her poems are published with Button Poetry, West Branch, Obsidian Lit and elsewhere. She received her MFA from the University of Houston and currently serves as the 2023-2025 Houston Poet Laureate.
Amir Safi
Amir Safi is a graduate of Texas A&M University, and founder of Write About Now Poetry, LLC, fondly known as WANPOETRY, which is a platform for poets from around the world, and live poetry events. His own poetry is a blend of American culture and Iranian heritage that sheds light on the unique narrative of being Muslim in America, immigration, intersectional identity, and popular culture. He is a writer, a poet, and a masterful story-teller. Aside from nationally recognized performances, Amir also shares his gift through writing workshops.
Kitchen Table Puppets
Kitchen Table is a puppets and press collective at the intersection of art and liberation movements. We are an insurgent print shop and puppet interventionists that also offer movement graphics, books, merch, installations and workshops. Kitchen Table operates as a mycelium network based throughout Texas.
FILM SCREENING
Cristela Alonzo’s Middle Classy
Join us for an evening screening of Comedian Cristela Alonzo’s 2022 Netflix comedy special “Middle Classy,” where she spills on learning English from "The Price Is Right," getting COVID on her birthday and how money really can buy happiness. “Middle Classy” is the second in a series by Alonzo, and follows “Lower Classy” which debuted in 2017. Cristela is a proud Texan from the Rio Grande Valley.