Newsletter | October 1, 2024

October 2024 Newsletter

ITC Newsletter | October 2024

ITC Welcomes
New Head Curator

Bianca Alvarez joins staff

Bianca AlvarezThe Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) is happy to announce Bianca Alvarez’s appointment as its new head curator.

Alvarez will provide leadership for ITC exhibits, from concept to installation, collaborate across the UTSA Libraries & Museums division, with UTSA students and faculty, and with community stakeholders to create holistic museum experiences that showcase Texas’s diverse cultural tapestry.

As the institute moves into its new space at Frost Tower, Alvarez will have the opportunity to experiment with thematic presentations and dynamic storytelling, and work with the public for concepts and ideas to carry into the next iteration of the ITC.

Read the rest of her story.

Texas Festivals

Celebrating what defines us

Texas has its share of amazing events that put its heritage on display. Yet, it’s often the small community events that knit the tapestry of Texas together. Beyond the large-scale city- and state-wide celebrations, these local events – organized and sustained by dedicated community groups – play a crucial role in preserving and presenting traditions.

Here are some upcoming events that highlight the unique spirit of Texas.

Image via Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center
Read More

Linking Texas Together

Sausage making is a tradition across cultures

When you think of typical Texan foods, brisket and tacos are usually top-of-mind, but no Texas barbecue would be complete without a few links of sausage. Considering all the cultures and communities that call Texas home, our state has a huge variety of sausages to sample: German bratwursts and knackwursts, Polish kielbasa, Mexican chorizo, spicy Italian sausages, Cajun boudin and andouille sausages, as well as Belgian, Alsatian, Czech, and other varieties. If anything, sausage is a constant across Texas cultures.

Read the story

ITC in the Classroom

Let ITC educators help craft learning experiences

The ITC is great at teaching with objects and turning a lesson into an experience. This fall, team up with an ITC educator to build a lesson customized to your class. Align objects and experiential learning with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills to drive key messages home and cement them in memory. Let us know how ITC can turn your school year into a success. Contact our educators at texancultures@utsa.edu.

Welcome back, Noelle DeFee. In fall 2023, Noelle was a student worker at the ITC, assigned to the UTSA Art Collection. With her bachelor’s in art completed and previous experience working in a museum environment, she was an ideal candidate for a Customer Service Associate (CSA) position.

Questions? Check our FAQ

The ITC has begun the transition process to prepare our new exhibit space at Frost Tower. For answers to questions about this interim period, please visit our ITC Centennial 2068 FAQ.