Stories

Color photo of a mini zine on a bamboo placement, held down by a brown index finger. Cover of the zine reads, "I will stay Picturing Palestine" and features a illustrated watermelon slice.

How learning to see the entrenched practices of empire within the popular arts is shifting my perspective on what it means to be a conscientious TV viewer and filmgoer.

By Christine Pasalo Norland  January 10, 2024    Essays 

The We Belong crowdfunding campaign is one of ten listings included in the inaugural Support Saturdays, Hello Barkada's new roundup published every second Saturday. The monthly list features crowdfunding campaigns, calls to action, mutual aid appeals and memberships, and sponsorship opportunities by artists, writers, and/or art collectives and organizations. Because radical possibilities manifest when we act collectively.

By Christine Pasalo Norland  September 9, 2023    Art News 

Color photo of a sunset behind a silhouette of pines, across a trimmed grass field, and seen through tall grasses.

Pushing away the toxic dialogue of internalized criticisms to acknowledge how Hello Barkada stayed true to its mission through its second year.

PHOTO BY SCOTT NORLAND

By Christine Pasalo Norland  September 5, 2023    Essays 

Hello Barkada presents the second annual Collectively, a month-long celebration of artists, writers, and creatives from historically marginalized communities that's hosted throughout September, Hello Barkada's anniversary month. Featuring a series of new content, including a new episode of Allowed on with Lawrence Lindell and a new edition of Hello Barkada Comics contributed by Christina Moreland, and a Hello Barkada pop-up shop on September 30 at the inaugural Chula Vista Art Fest.

By Christine Pasalo Norland  August 28, 2023    Art News, Events

Daytime color photo of a bloomed yellow flower in the shade of a bush.

Our August 2023 list includes 17 grants for artists in the visual, performing, literary, and craft arts with application deadlines between August 4, 2023 and September 8, 2023, and 13 art grants with rolling deadlines.

By Christine Pasalo Norland    August 4, 2023    Resources

Daytime color photo of a bloomed, drooping red-orange flower with long yellow stamen, framed in front of a green foliage and ferns and speckled rocks.

Our September 2023 list features 26 grants for artists and creative writers with application deadlines between September 8, 2023 and October 2, 2023, and 13 art grants with rolling deadlines.

By Christine Pasalo Norland    September 1, 2023    Resources

Daytime color photo of bloomed succulent flower with orangey gray green pointed petals and a hot magenta center.

Our July 2023 list includes 21 previously unlisted grants for artists in the visual, performing, and literary arts with application deadlines between July 12, 2023 and August 14, 2023. 

By Christine Pasalo Norland    July 7, 2023    Resources

Sepia-toned daytime photo of the San Diego Convention Center flanked by the Bay and Harbor Boulevard.

Many thanks to Pearl Low, Christina Moreland, Elizabeth Ito, and Natasha Kline for participating on the panel "The Short of It: Animation is a Medium" and to Jamila Rowser, Nidhi Chanani, Victoria Ying, Kiara Valdez, Marco Finnegan, and Amanda Meadows for participating on the panel "From Burnout to Brainstorm" presented at Comic-Con International 2023.

By Christine Pasalo Norland    June 16, 2023    Programs & Events

Color photo of a bright yellow pincushion protea flower in bloom.

Our June 2023 list includes 18 previously unlisted grants for artists in the visual, performing, and literary arts with application deadlines between June 3, 2023 and July 14, 2023.

By Christine Pasalo Norland    June 2, 2023    Resources

Round color photo of Filipina American cartoonist Rina Ayuyang next to text on a brown background. Text says, "Episode 8: Allowed with Rina Ayuyang."

Oakland-based cartoonist Rina Ayuyang joins us on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. PT on Instagram Live to talk about fandoms, her new graphic novel The Man in the McIntosh Suit published by Drawn & Quarterly, and her comics art installation Finding Filipino with the San Francisco Arts Commission. Tune in to the conversation by following @HelloBarkada on Instagram.

By Christine Pasalo Norland    May 16, 2023    Programs

Color photo of a bloom of magenta Lupine flowers in a pine forest.

Our May 2023 list includes 18 previously unlisted grants for artists in the visual, performing, and literary arts with application deadlines between now and June 1, 2023.

By Christine Pasalo Norland    May 5, 2023    Resources

Black and white illustration of an anthromorphic bunny dressed in a t-shirt, blazer, pants, and sneakers, with the arms crossed as they're affronted by ignorant questions about being Native.

Each installment of our comics series features a different emerging or established cartoonist. For our second comic of 2023, nonbinary Diné cartoonist, zinester, and librarian Julie Fiveash shares a story about existing abundantly in the face of limited thinking in their comic, "Bad Questions!"

COMIC EXCERPT BY JULIE FIVEASH.

By Julie Fiveash    April 19, 2023    Comics

Digital illustration on background of saturated blue that fades into green. Illustration features two happy white clouds walking in tandem and connected by a rainbow with arcs in magenta, pink, orange, and yellow. The left cloud has on yellow boots. The right cloud has blue boots.

Pacific Arts Movement's 12th SDAFF Spring Showcase took place from Thursday, April 20, through Thursday, April 27, 2023 at the UltraStar Cinemas in Hazard Center/Mission Valley. Over 15 films from Asia and beyond were presented. Here are the five we were most excited to see.

By Christine Pasalo Norland    April 19, 2023    Art News

Color photo of a bloom of magenta star-shaped flowers surrounded by green leaves.

Our April 2023 list includes 16 previously unlisted grants for visual and performing artists, poets, and prose writers with application deadlines between now and May 7, 2023. 

By Christine Pasalo Norland    April 7, 2023    Resources

black and white photo of Jessica Hagedorn from the 2000s laid on top of a purple background.

In celebration of the prolific Filipina American multidisciplinary artist and the upcoming 30th anniversary of her debut anthology Charlie Chan is Dead: An Anthology of Contemporary Asian American Fiction, here are five facts to get to know more about Jessica Hagedorn.

PHOTO BY JESSICA FALLON GORDON.

By Jade Boldenow    March 31, 2023    History

Five color screenshots of images shared on artist Instagram feed. Art works left to right from Maxi Rodriguez, Karen Alleluia, Dale Ray Deforst, Genevieve Santos, and Jacoby Salcedo.

When not hosting panels, we're hoping to visit the tables of such indie artists as Maxi Rodriguez, Karen Alleluia, Genevieve Santos, Dale Ray Deforest, Anthony Fowler, Jr., Jacoby Salcedo, Patrick Ballesteros, Alvin Alvendia, and more. From Artist Alley to the main floor, here are the exhibitors who've so far caught our eye.

By Christine Pasalo Norland    March 22, 2023    Art News

Sepia-toned photo of the front of the Anaheim Convention Center.

Hello Barkada hosted Sandra Equihua, Amanda Meadows, Lea Anderson, Malissa White, Viktor Kerney, John Jennings, Elizabeth Ito, and Reyna Cervantes on panels at WonderCon 2023, the annual spring show and sibling event to Comic-Con International that takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center.

By Christine Pasalo Norland    March 6, 2023    Art News, Events

Photo of a white flower in bloom, with white stamen and petals that come to a point.

Our March 2023 list includes 20 previously unlisted grants for visual and performing artists, poets, and prose writers with application deadlines between now and April 7, 2023. 

By Christine Pasalo Norland    March 3, 2023    Resources

How the writer of Nubia: Queen of the Amazons and Marvel's Voices Infinity Comic: The Family Snikt went from clinical lab work to comic book bylines

By Christine Pasalo Norland  Originally appeared on ThePopverse.com on March 2, 2023    Profiles

Round color photo collage of Amanda Meadows, Jamila Rowser, and Kiara Valdez set like a 3-piece pie, on a brown background. Text says, "Episode 7. Allowed with Amanda Meadows, Jamila Rowser, & Kiara Valdez."

What does it take for creators to publish stories that excite them while being treated as humans, not machines? Writers and editors Amanda Meadows, Jamila Rowser, and Kiara Valdez share their ideas in episode 7 of our program series Allowed.

By Christine Pasalo Norland    March 2, 2023    Events

Virtuous Con promo graphic featuring a Black femme.

Hello Barkada returned to Virtuous Con on Saturday, February 25 at 11 a.m. ET for our panel "Give Us the Punk" with comic artists Bianca Xunise, FeliceY, and Raeghan Buchanan. 

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF VIRTUOUS CON.

By Christine Pasalo Norland    February 14, 2023    Events

Profile photo of Afua Richardson looking up from her drawing desk in her studio.

The Georgia-based illustrator, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse comic book artist, and musician shares her reverence for her family's history and impact, and reflects on her career in the arts.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AFUA RICHARDSON.

By Jonita Davis    February 8, 2023    Profiles

Photo of bright yellow flower with a bee in the center.

Our February 2023 list includes 20 previously unlisted grants for visual and performing artists, poets, and prose writers with application deadlines between now and March 8, 2023.

February 3, 2023    Resources

Collage of six book covers: Nubia & the Amazon, Scent of Apples, Frizzy, Where I'm Coming From, American Born Chinese, and Star Knights.

We're keeping a list of books read and liked in 2023, and updating it often. Books range from frontlist to backlist, prose to graphic novel, middle-grade to adult, and fiction to non-fiction. Follow along!

January 31, 2023    Resources

Panel 2 of the black and white comic by FeliceY, featuring the narrator saying, "I need a pad."

For our first comic of 2023, Caribbean American comic artist and illustrator FeliceY shares a story about coming of age as a nonbinary person in their comic, "I Just Need a Pad."

January 27, 2023    Comics

Photo of the book Where I'm Coming From on a dark table. The book cover is in tones of black, white, yellow, and red.

Bring out the bouquets! This new collection by cartoonist Barbara Brandon-Croft proves that her pioneering comic strip is as fitting and funny today as it was when it appeared in mainstream syndication from 1991–2005.

January 25, 2023    Art News

Photo of zines and buttons in the Collectively 2022 Full pack, on a crocheted afghan.

Two new product packs—Collectively 2022 Mini and Collectively 2022 Full—are now available, featuring limited works previously only seen at the 2022 San Diego Zine Fest. Proceeds from each support the Hello Barkada Comics Series and Guest Writer Series.

January 20, 2023    Art News

Watch five of our favorite moments from our conversation with award-winning cartoonist Steenz, who joined us on Allowed in April 2022 to discuss their book Heart Takes the Stage.

January 11, 2023    Allowed

Photo of lush green bush filled with open, purple bell-like flowers.

New year, new cycle of Funding Fridays! Our January 2023 list features 27 grant opportunities, 10 of which are open to artists around the world.

January 6, 2023    Resources

Photo of the black, white, and gold book cover of Queenie: Godmother of Harlem, featuring a black and white illustration of Queenie who is seated and reclined while holding up a lowball glass of whiskey.

 Inspired by the life of Stephanie "Queenie" St. Clair, this graphic novel by Elizabeth Colomba and Aurélie Lévy and published by Megascope / Abrams ComicArts is a gripping read.

December 24, 2022    Art News 

 WATCH THE PLAYBACK! Bay Area-based cartoonist MariNaomi joined us on IG Live to discuss their upcoming collage-comics memoir I Thought You Loved Me, friendships, and memory.

September 20, 2022    Programs & Events 

 How publisher, editor, and writer Jamila Rowser is a catalyst for the comics we need in the world.

September 20, 2022    Profiles 

Promotional graphic for episode 5 of Allowed, featuring a headshot of Filipina American illustrator Karen Alleluia taken by Sage Timog.

 On Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. PT, join @HelloBarkada on IG Live as we celebrate and chat with San Diego-based Filipina American illustrator Karen Alleluia on the next episode of Allowed! We'll talk about what it's taken and meant to launch her brand kluia co., what she's learned along the way, and how she balances art making with managing the administrative work of her business.

September 20, 2022    Programs & Events 

How Growing Up, the debut LP by The Linda Lindas, is poised to resonate with fans of all ages.

September 16, 2022    Art News, Essays

Photo of the book Black Sun and Hello Barkada word search, on a brown-toned background with "Collectively" logo repeated on a diagonal. Light text on a black opaque box says, "Three new activity sheets."

Learn while you play! Three new activity sheets are now available from the Community page: A word search centered on Black Sun by speculative fiction writer Rebecca Roanhorse; a crossword celebrating the artists, writers, and works featured during the first year of Hello Barkada; and a coloring sheet featuring melon bingsoo to remind you to stay cool.

September 13, 2022    Community

A parent and child walking down a sidewalk under a cloudy sky.

This month's list of art grants, fellowships, and residencies includes 10 opportunities in total, 7 of which are previously unlisted opportunities, with deadlines in September 2022 through October 1, 2022.

September 2, 2022    Resources

A reflection on the first year of Hello Barkada, in words and Spotify playlist. Thank you to everyone who has visited since September 2021! 

September 1, 2022    Essays

Tan Collectively logo repeated down a brown background.

Hello Barkada presents the first annual Collectively, a month-long event made up of a series of programs and publications hosted throughout September, Hello Barkada's anniversary month.

August 30, 2022    Art News, Events

Photo of a cloudy blue sky over the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, San Diego.

This month's list of art grants, fellowships, and residencies includes 12 previously unlisted opportunities with deadlines in August 2022 through September 13, 2022.

August 5, 2022    Resources 

The SDCC panel The Ethnogothic: Horror and Conjure in Storytelling examines the renaissance of horror works in Black speculative fiction.

July 24, 2022  Originally appeared on ThePopverse.com Art News 

Excerpt of black and white comic "Reminder to Self" by Nicky Rodriguez, featuring a femme-presenting person speaking about pain.

Queer Puerto Rican comic artist, flatter, and colorist Nicky Rodriguez tackles reclaiming agency while dealing with chronic pain in her comic, "Reminder to Self."

July 15, 2022    Comics

Hello Barkada hosted comics professionals Jamila Rowser, Regine Sawyer, Amy Chu, Amber Padilla, Dr. Shamika A. Mitchell, Deb Aoki, Jessica Tseang, and Laura Neuzeth on panels at Comic-Con International 2022 to consider where comics storytelling can expand and how the industry behind comics creation must change. 

July 7, 2022    Art News 

Round photo of artist Nicky Rodriguez next to text that reads, "episode 4. Allowed with Nicky Rodriguez", on a brown background.

On Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. PT, Queer Puerto Rican comics artist, flatter, and colorist Nicky Rodriguez joined us on the fourth episode of Allowed! We talked about her webcomic The Unlucky Ones and The Edge of Nowhere, her artwork for the upcoming picture book Con Papá written by Frederick Luis Aldama, and her original comic "Reminder to Self" for the Hello Barkada Comics series. The playback of our conversation is now available on IGTV.

July 6, 2022    Programs & Events 

Photo of blue sky with white clouds.

This month's list of art grants, fellowships, and residencies includes 14 previously unlisted opportunities with deadlines in July 2022 and August 1, 2022. 

July 1, 2022    Resources 

Round photo of Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith next to text that reads, "episode 3. Allowed with Jamila Rowser & Robyn Smith", on a brown background.

PLAYBACK AVAILABLE ON INSTAGRAM! In our third episode of Allowed, writer Jamila Rowser and cartoonist Robyn Smith talk about their new graphic novel Wash Day Diaries. Playback of the interview is now available on our Instagram profile (@hellobarkada). A captioned playback for our YouTube channel is forthcoming.

June 4, 2022    Programs 

Photographed sunset of pink and orange hues over a silhouette of pine trees.

Our latest list of art grants, fellowships, and residencies includes 25 previously unlisted opportunities: one with a rolling deadline and 24 with deadlines in June 2022. 

June 3, 2022    Resources 

TCAF Web Banner. Text reads, "Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2022."

The Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) clarifies that their statement published on May 31 responds to concerns about Moeel's discriminatory remarks published online, including transphobic comments, but does not address allegations of Moeel profiting off Black personhood and culture. 

IMAGE OF TCAF BANNER FROM TCAF INSTAGRAM FEED.

June 1, 2022    Art News 

Collage of screenshots of Filipina cartoonist Trinidad Escobar during their appearance on Allowed.

In these five video clips from the premiere episode of Allowed, cartoonist Trinidad Escobar shares what it means for them to create their comics collection Arrive In My Hands. 

May 26, 2022    Programs 

The animation veteran and former Adventure Time director discusses the storytelling and appeal of her award-winning Netflix show.

May 25, 2022 Originally appeared on ThePopverse.com   Profiles 

In episode 3, special guest Lacey Vorrasi-Banis joined Jonita Davis and Christine Pasalo Norland to discuss the coverage of Disney's Turning Red, how the CinemaBlend review of the movie exposes systemic problems in mainstream entertainment journalism, and how talent and PR teams can help reset the film-review landscape to include more reviewers from historically marginalized communities.

IMAGE COURTESY OF DISNEY.

May 19, 2022    Programs 

DVD cover of the 2002 film Whale Rider, featuring a still of Paikea played by actress Keisha Castle-Hughes when she was a tween.

Our free May 2022 Word Search activity centers this moving intergenerational story of family, community, and acceptance. Released in 2002, the film is adapted from the novel Whale Rider by Māori author Witi Ihimaera. 

May 18, 2022    Community, History

Photo of taiko drummers performing at sunset in Balboa Park, San Diego.

This month's list includes 19 previously unlisted funding opportunities: one with rolling deadlines and 18 with deadlines in May through June 3, 2022.

May 6, 2022    Resources

Round photo of artist Steenz next to text that reads, "episode 2. Allowed with Steenz", on a brown background.

In our second episode of Allowed, award-winning cartoonist Steenz discuss their new comics collection Heart Takes the Stage. Video playback of the interview is now available on our Instagram profile (@hellobarkada) and on our YouTube channel.

April 22, 2022    Programs 

Promotional graphic for the 11th SDAFF Spring Showcase.

The 11th annual mini film festival hosted by the Pacific Arts Movement took place in-person at the UltraStar Mission Valley from Thursday, April 21, 2022 through Thursday, April 28, 2022. Over 15 films were featured from such directors as Kamila Andini (Yuni), Jun Lana (Big Night!), and the late Kinuyo Tanaka.

April 20, 2022    Art News

Black text on brown background, between photos of Jonita Davis, a Black woman, and Christine Pasalo Norland, a Brown Filipina American woman. Text says, "The Call Out with Jonita Davis and Christine Pasalo Norland."

In Episode 2 of The Call Out, Jonita Davis and Christine Pasalo Norland discussed reviews of the film Fast Color, Harold Perrineau's take on the press about his Epix series From, and EW's release-weekend coverage of Everything Everywhere All at Once

April 13, 2022    Programs 

Panel 1 of the comic "Solitude" by Hab Oh, featuring a black and white illustration of a planetary-like being on a barren landscape, under a starry night sky.

Each installment of our comics series features a different emerging or established cartoonist. For our second comic strip of 2022, Hab Oh meditates on sitting with, not avoiding, "Solitude."

April 8, 2022    Comics

Cloudy blue sky above a silhouette of Joshua Tree boulder piles.

This month's list includes 17 previously unlisted funding opportunities: Two with rolling deadlines and 15 with deadlines in April through May 6, 2022.

April 1, 2022    Resources

Photo of Vietnamese American Wednesday Tran, sitting in front of a mossy boulder.

How multidisciplinary artist Wednesday Tran found healing and abundance by reclaiming their creativity.

March 25, 2022    Profiles

Black text on brown background, between photos of Jonita Davis, a Black woman, and Christine Pasalo Norland, a Brown Filipina American woman. Text says, "The Call Out with Jonita Davis and Christine Pasalo Norland."

Captioned playback now available on YouTube! Follow @theblackcapemag and @hellobarkada on Instagram! In this collaborative new livestream series, film critic and Black CAPE Magazine founder Jonita Davis joins Christine Pasalo Norland to call attention to exclusionary film and television critique, examine how they're problematic, and highlight reviewers who are positively reframing dialogue around film and TV projects. Based on Davis' Medium Essay, "Why I Am Calling Out All Colonizer Criticism and What That Means for You."

March 24, 2022    Programs 

Sun bursting behind thick clouds above silhouettes of rolling hills and pine trees.

This month's list of curated art grants, awards, and fellowships includes 16 opportunities with deadlines in March and through April 1, 2022, and 12 opportunities with rolling deadlines.

March 4, 2022    Resources

Round photo of artist Steenz next to text that reads, "episode 1. Allowed with Trinidad Escobar", on a brown background.

For the first episode of our new livestream interview series, we welcomed cartoonist Trinidad Escobar to discuss the inspiration and intent of her new comics collection Arrive In My Hands. Playback of the interview is now available on our Instagram profile (@hellobarkada) and on our YouTube channel.

March 2, 2022    Art News, Events 

Front cover of Trinidad Escobar's "Arrive In My Hands" Queer Erotic Comics. Featuring an illustration of oceanside cliff formations that look like two women laying on their left sides in an embrace.

Published by Black Josei Press, Trinidad Escobar's Arrive In My Hands is a collection of Queer erotic comics, poem-comics, and illustrations that surges off the page like desire released from dormancy.

February 25, 2022    Art News, Essays 

Line illustration of a person with glasses looking down and biting their bottom lip.

Each installment of our comics series features a different emerging or established cartoonist. For our first comic strip of 2022, Lawrence Lindell illustrates the joy and appeal of reconnecting with a pastime.

February 11, 2022    Comics

Artwork of a black femme-presenting humanoid with the announcement that Hello Barkada is participating in Virtuous Con.

Hello Barkada is proud to have participated in the second annual Virtuous Con: Black History Month! We collaborated with an esteemed group of creators and thinkers to contribute three livestream panels to the amazing lineup of virtual programming that took place on Saturday and Sunday, February 12–13, 2022. Stay tuned for new about watching the panel replays!

IMAGE BY JULIE ANDERSON AND COURTESY OF VIRTUOUS CON.

February 7, 2022    Art News, Events

Cloudy blue sky above rocky hills.

From now on, we're including a section of fellowships and residencies in addition to grant opportunities! Application deadlines in this list run from February 4, 2022 to March 11, 2022.

February 4, 2022    Resources

Black and white photo of Afro-Latine artist, educator, and activist Sharon Lee De La Cruz laying on their back with their hands under their head, looking up at the camera.

New York-based artist, educator, and activist Sharon Lee De La Cruz shares what is gained from being comfortable with tinkering, the draw of small presses, and the appeal of comics storytelling.

January 31, 2022    Profiles

Screenshots from the first Happy Hour Chat Instagram Live program featuring Jade Seaberry and Christine Pasalo Norland. Seaberry's feed is on top of Pasalo Norland's feed.

Jade Seaberry of DiverseToons hosts Hello Barkada Founder Christine Pasalo Norland for a monthly Instagram Live series about bringing panels to pop culture conventions. Catch the replay of our February Happy Hour Chat, which includes insight on the experience of virtually attending and panelling at Virtuous Con!

January 21, 2022    Art News, Events 

A light-skinned Black woman with type 3C hair walking down a dirt road that cuts through a grass plain. The woman is walking towards the camera, yet looking beyond it. She is wearing an olive green bomber jacket on top of a light grey knit top.

Guest writer and film critic Jonita Davis discusses why this film from 2019 is worth several watches now that it's available to stream on Netflix. Codeblack's Fast Color stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Lorraine Toussaint.

IMAGE OF GUGU MBATHA-RAW COURTESY OF LIONSGATE.

January 7, 2022   By Jonita Davis    Art News, Essays 

Cloudy blue sky over distant desert hills and silhouettes of billboards. The sun and its rays peek through a fluffy cumulus cloud on the left.

A new list of grant opportunities is on deck, featuring 10 11 grants with application deadlines in January through the first week of February 2022, seven grants with open dates in January, and 11 grants that take applications on a rolling basis.

January 7, 2022    Resources

A brown hand holding up the black and white zine in front of a leafy green hedge. The cover of the zine features falling leaves and the title, "isang mahal."

We're wishing you a happy new year with our first micro-press effort: A 16-page zine featuring the first print reproductions of our 2021 comics series as well as original written and illustrated works.

January 5, 2022    Art News, Comics, Essays, Profiles

A pink sunrise seen through dried grasses on a plain.

At the core of Hello Barkada's mission is bell hooks' thoughts on marginalization from her 1990 essay, "marginality as site of resistance."

PHOTO BY OC GONZALEZ ON UNSPLASH.

December 20, 2021    Essays

Black and white illustration of a femme person looking down and surrounded by empty speech bubbles.

Each installment of our comics series features a different emerging or established cartoonist. In "Changing Love Conversations," our last comic strip of 2021, Breena Nuñez illustrates how one can draw validation and voice from their barkada.

December 17, 2021    Comics

Screenshot of the top of the Black Artist Database website. The BAD Black Artist Database logo appears in the top left in black. The top right shows round green icons for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The next level shows webpage names Database, Explore, Support, Events, and Shop. Black text in a green rectangle on the bottom of the screenshot says, "Everyday is a good to support and buy from Black artists."

Also known as B.A.D., this free and independently-run platform counters the systemic inequity of the mainstream music industry by helping Black musicians, producers, artists, and creatives find, connect, and work with each other directly. 

IMAGE FROM B.A.D.'S WEBSITE.

December 7, 2021    Art News, Resources

Orange and yellow-hued sunset over the ocean horizon. Sun rays burst out from behind a cloud. The sky is a landscape of white clouds.

Get that (grant) money! This month's list includes a dozen grant opportunities with application deadlines in December 2021 and early January 2022, and 10 grants that take applications on a rolling basis. 

December 3, 2021    Resources

Black and white illustration of a man kneeling at the beside of a woman, bringing her a glass of water.

Each installment of our comics series features a different emerging or established cartoonist. This edition by Navajo disabled creator, illustrator, and digital comic artist Tatum Begay is called "To My Husband."

November 30, 2021    Comics

Banner on a concrete light post on the campus of San Diego State University. Text on the banner says "You are learning on Kumeyaay land." The text is on photo of a dirt trail with a view of brush, trees, and distant hills.

Native American & Indigenous students, faculty, and staff at San Diego State University hosted a series of events throughout November to celebrate Native American Heritage Month 2021, including a conversation with Tongva writer, illustrator, and comics artist Weshoyot Alvitre.

PHOTO FROM SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY TWITTER FEED.

November 12, 2021    Art News

A cloudy blue sky over pine trees.

Get that (grant) money! This month's list includes over 15 grant opportunities with application deadlines in November and early December 2021, and six grants that take applications on a rolling basis. BONUS: We've also added a new database listing on the Resources page!

November 5, 2021    Resources

Screenshot of Regine L. Sawyer, Christine Pasalo Norland, Barbara Brandon-Croft, Bianca Xunise, and Steenz during the panel "Celebrating Jackie Ormes."

This month’s founder’s essay reflects on the organization's progress so far, which has been due in large part to the artists who've shared their time, energy, and expertise with Hello Barkada. 

November 1, 2021    Essays

Grayscale photo of Filipinx American Trinidad Escobar drawing at her desk, surrounded by art work and books.

How artist and educator Trinidad Escobar practices visual and oral storytelling to (re)connect with Filipinx traditions and build community within the culture and beyond. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRINIDAD ESCOBAR.

October 27, 2021    Profiles

Black and white illustration of a femme person with light hair scratching the head of a femme person with dark hair.

Each installment of our comics series features a different emerging or established cartoonist. This month, illustrator Angel Trazo shares a story about reunions.  

October 23, 2021    Comics

Production still of brown-skinned character Zelda interviewing a colorful, multi-armed ghost named Chete at a table in a Korean BBQ restaurant. Chepe is in the center, flanked by Zelda to the left and a brown-skinned character on its right.

Why more people should watch and fan the popular Netflix animated series by creator Elizabeth Ito.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX.

October 20, 2021    Art News, Essays, History

Cast onstage behind microphones and sheet music stands. A transparent photo of Larry Itliong at a United Farm Workers meeting is superimposed on top of the cast photo so that his image lightly appears above the musical cast.

The creative team behind the musical about Filipino American activist Larry Itliong is raising funds towards the production's premiere at the historic Brava Theater in San Francisco.

October 12, 2021    Art News, History

Books by Mike Curato, Sharon De La Cruz, and James Baldwin laid next to each other on top of dry river rocks. The cover of Curato's book is a dark pencilled illustration of a young teen in a scout salute engulfed in flames of bright orange and red, and says "Flamer." The cover of De La Cruz's book is a color illustration of a dark-skinned Black Latina in a white t-shirt, loose lavender pants, and open-toed camp sandals with her right fist in the air, standing behind the book title "I'm a Wild Seed," on a watercolor background of saturated oranges, purples magentas, and greens. Baldwin's book features outlines of two men and the crossed legs of a woman and says, "James Baldwin Giovann's Room."

October is LGBT History Month and October 11 is National Coming Out Day! Hold space for the spectrum of experiences of our LGBTQIA2S+ family, friends, neighbors, and community with these works by Mike Curato, Sharon De La Cruz, and James Baldwin.

October 11, 2021    Resources

A black and white photo of Black woman cartoonist Jackie Ormes on a purple background. Text in light purple says, "Celebrating Jackie Ormes. Live stream, Thursday, October 28, 2021, 7:00 p.m. EST." Logos for Women in Comics Collective International and Hello Barkada appear respectively on the top left and right corners.

We've partnered with Women in Comics Collective International (WinC) to host "Celebrating Jackie Ormes," our first live stream panel. The free virtual event took place on Thursday, October 28, and features cartoonists Barbara Brandon-Croft, Bianca Xunise, and Steenz. Replay link in the article!

October 9, 2021    Art News, History

The Filipinx American History mural at Unidad Park in Historic Filipinotown. Pictured in the mural are Farmworker Activists Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong, and Former Pilipinas President Corazon Aquino.

Why the organization and platform is called "Hello Barkada."

October 2, 2021    Essays

Cloudy sunset over a district in Paris. Silhouette of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, near the bottom left of the frame.

Our latest roundup includes 12 grant opportunities, five of which take applications on a rolling basis, and seven with application deadlines in October and early November 2021.

October 1, 2021    Resources

Filipina American fine artist Mary Jhun reviewing a painting from the exhibit.

Filipina American surrealist Mary Jhun exhibits new works at Thumpbrint Gallery in La Jolla, California, during October.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY JHUN.  

September 26, 2021    Art News, Profiles

Black and white illustration of a man washing a young woman's hair as she sits covered in a bubbly bath.

We're excited to introduce our comic strip series! Each installment will feature a different emerging or established cartoonist. In this first story, cartoonist Maxi Rodriguez of KasutoProductions shares her perspective on the idea of family.  

September 26, 2021    Comics

Illustrations of Breena Nuñez Laneha and Lawrence Lindell Laneha flanking their small press mascot, House.

Cartoonists Breena Nuñez and Lawrence Lindell discuss healing by way of their new animated series, comics, and coffee.

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF LANEHA HOUSE.

September 20, 2021    Profiles

Dots & Boxes game sheet next to a potted succulent.

September 15 marks the start of Latinx Heritage month! Please join us in learning about artists and creative writers from the Latinx, Xicanx, and Hispanic diaspora and how they continue to impact arts and culture as a whole.

September 15, 2021    History

Three Latinx cousins in the middle of a pinky swear.

Who's ready to keep up with the Morales'? The new (and final) season of Netflix's Latinx dramedy premiered in November. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX.

September 13, 2021 (Updated January 14, 2022)   Art News

Cartoonist and illustrator Jay Paul Jackson, wearing a dark double-breasted suit with pinstripes. Circa 1940s. Taken in black and white.

Learn about the late cartoonist, illustrator, and graphic artist who was born 116 years ago today.

PHOTO FROM FLYINGCARSANDFOODPILLS.COM.

September 10, 2021    History

Characters Xialiang, Shang-Chi, and Katy from the Marvel movie "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

The Marvel blockbuster adds to the growing tapestry of Asian representation in American popular culture. Just bare in mind: We don’t all know martial arts.

PHOTO FROM MARVEL.COM.

September 8, 2021    Art News, Essays

Exhibit items and a title wall that reads "Global Spirit, Folk Art from the Ted Cohen Collection."

Mingei International Museum reopens in San Diego's historic Balboa Park. Dedicated to folk art, craft, and design, the renovated museum offers new indoor and outdoor spaces including a new restaurant, and forever-free admission to its first floor.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM.

September 6, 2021    Art News

Pink-hued sunset over desert.

Our first roundup of grant opportunities features 17 grants with application deadlines in September and October 2021.

September 3, 2021    Resources

Founder Christine Pasalo Norland sitting on a tree swing. Behind her is a view of Echo Park, Los Angeles.

How starting Hello Barkada is equal parts empowerment, protest, service, and rest.

By Christine Pasalo Norland

September 1, 2021    Essays

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