ONGOING

Letra Database Project

Preserving flamenco art and culture through the power of technology.
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Using PocketBase, FAI is collaborating with Stanford University to digitize flamenco lyrics in an effort to preserve the cultural heritage of flamenco. An oral tradition, flamenco lyrics have never been systematically collected, organized, and historicized. The database is searchable by author, theme, historical references, and more. It also includes English translations of the Spanish and Caló (Spanish Roma language) lyrics. Led by Tania Arabelle Flores, this project is community driven, with flamenco artists/scholars from California, New York, and Spain working together to assess preservation protocols in an ever-changing digital landscape.

ONGOING

Flamenco at The People’s Conservatory

Fostering the next generation of culture keepers

The People’s Conservatory in Oakland fosters high level arts creation and promotes cultural awareness and positive social change. FAI supports this mission with free flamenco dance classes taught by Marina Elana, along with workshops and master classes taught by visiting artists from Spain. TPC’s curriculum incorporates a wide range of teachings rooted in ethnic and cultural studies, using students’ inherent artistic voices to foster the next generation of culture keepers.

IN DEVELOPMENT

la tormenta: Songs from a Sinking Ship

A cautionary tale exploring the existential crises we all face
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This evening-length flamenco production bridges technology with immersive experiences to bring a new interdisciplinary approach to the art form. Featuring Marina Elana, Eugenio Iglesias, Carlos Menchaca, and living legend Torombo Suarez.
Original concept by & short film directed by Yvonne Zhang.

IN DEVELOPMENT

wake: Songs from a Sinking Ship, Part 2

When a small cruise ship is caught in a mysterious storm, its passengers sleep on. Some of the ship's staff, meanwhile, dance resolutely towards oblivion. 

Original concept by & short film directed by Yvonne Zhang.

JANUARY - DECEMBER, 2025 (FREE)

LA CLAVE & LA LLAVE

Your key to understanding essential aspects of flamenco culture.
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Join us for a series of six virtual talks hosted by Elena Andújar that unlock the fundamentals of flamenco culture. Sessions will be held in Spanish with English translation.

NOVEMBER 6-8, 2025 (ONLINE)

Digital Duende 2025

Join us for a groundbreaking symposium that explores the dynamic intersection of flamenco and technology. This event will bring together artists, technologists, and scholars to discuss how digital tools and innovative practices can enhance flamenco's rich traditions while ensuring its relevance in the modern world. Attendees will engage in workshops, panel discussions, and live demonstrations.

IMPORTANT DATES
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- Deadline for proposals: April 1, 2025
- Acceptance notifications: June 2025
- Symposium: Oct 2025
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For more information contact Symposium Chair Tania Arabelle Flore.

Gurumbe Film Screening and Discussion with Director Miguel Ángel Rosales

Flamenco is synonymous with Spanish culture. Yet, since its inception, theorists have sidelined the fundamental contribution of Afro-Andalusians to this art form. Commercial exploitation of the American colonies brought hundreds of Africans to Spain to be sold as slaves, forming a population which, over time, managed to gain space in a society wrought with racial prejudices. Music and dance were a fundamental part of their expression and the most important affirmation of their identity. As the Black population began to disappear from Spain in the late 19th century, so too did their contribution to this extraordinary art form. In Gurumbe: Afro-Andalusian Memories, their story is finally told.

Musical Performance & Fireside Chat w/ Elena Andújar

Enjoy an intimate performance by one of flamenco's most cherished artists, Elena Andújar accompanied by her son Antonio Andújar. Performance will be followed by a fireside chat exploring Elena’s adventures growing up alongside flamenco icons in the heart of Seville, Spain.

Lecture and Discussion w/ Independent Scholar Ryan Rockmore

Take up the torch and explore how queerness and translation help us challenge our relationship with flamenco on our terrain outside of Spain. What would flamenco look like when approached not from within or with an eye toward Spain but attended to from a “guiri,” non-Spanish, perspective on the margins?