Community Series

Community Trauma Response Program

Victoria Theater Arts Center will provide for the acute need for community access to safe, healing, creative spaces through their new Community Trauma Response Program. The goal is for this to be a responsive program available to the public any time there are events that provoke collective grief or trauma. In addition to offering creative resources, VTAC will provide the community with information that directs them to low-cost/affordable mental health services, access to emotional and spiritual healers and bodyworkers, and places to find free food for people in need.

Community Visionaries

Every month, we choose an artist from our community to spotlight & uplift! These artists are featured on our website and social media and participate in our monthly B-art-BQ.

June’s Community Visionary is rapper Brent Bdf Foster, a Saint Paul native from the Rondo community reppin’ Selby Ave.

Name

BDF

What inspires you to create?

I draw inspiration from many avenues. Ultimately, I would say great music. If I hear a dope beat
that moves me right away – It’s a Wrap! Also, a good documentary or biographical book. Simply
living and experiencing life gives me inspiration too.

When did you become an artist?

I’ve been a creative my whole life. I started freestyling in my mind and to myself since I was 8 years old as an escape. By age 13, I started to share my gift with my peers, rapping in cyphers in junior high.

In high school, I took acting and theater classes, which helped me get over “stage fright.” Around this time, I was writing rhymes and performing in showcases. After graduation, I took it more seriously and started writing and recording songs.

By this time, I was winning talent shows and emcee battles around the city and building my reputation. In 2005, I released my first project/mixtape “BDF Radio,” the first of six projects I’ve released.

This summer, I’m releasing my new album titled #KINGenergy. So be on the lookout for that.

Where are you from?

Saint Paul born and raised. I’m a Rondo Kid. Selby Ave is in the building

Who is your favorite artist?

Too many to name, but I would have to choose Michael Jackson. He really got me into music at an early age. I learned a lot about creativity, performance, consistency, and continuity from him.

He’s the greatest ever!!!