Who We Are
Art, Power, Equity (APE) is a socio-cultural enterprise that supports underrepresented artists, vulnerable communities and promotes equity, access and opportunity in the creative economy.
We believe in art that enhances, inspires and motivates. We believe in art that provokes, challenges and reveals uncomfortable truths. We’re moved by the ability of art to elevate and refine the human spirit and its potential to transform the world around us.
We aim to harness the transcendent qualities of art in service of people, community and their power and self-determination. The power to tell your own stories, the power to build mutually beneficial relationships and the power to create networks and institutions that reflect and represent your needs.
Our
Story
Creating Community and Connection Through Art
Get to Know Us
It all started on the tiny island of Oahu where two friends from different parts of the nation met and bonded over their mutual love of art. Now, over 30 years later, those friends have co-founded Art Power Equity, an organization striving to enhance communities through the power of art. Learn more about the people behind Art Power Equity below.
Meet the Founders.
Kamaal’s passions are plants, art & culture, building community and uplifting our region’s creative economy.
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His unique skill set and network come from a professional journey including roles as: Vice President of Networks and Initiatives (Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties), Director of Advocacy (California Charter School Association), Adjunct Faculty/Political Science (San Diego Community College District), Government Relations Specialist (San Diego County Regional Airport Authority) and multiple positions in state government ranging from Field Director, Special Assistant to the Speaker and District Director (California State Assembly).
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A graduate of the University of Oregon, B.A. (History), M.A. (International Studies), Kamaal currently serves as a mayoral appointee to the City of San Diego’s Arts and Culture Commission and has served on numerous non-profit boards and advisory groups including: Project New Village, Somali Youth United and the San Diego NAACP.
He currently lives in Lemon Grove, CA, with his partner and daughters.
Brian Paul Kuba Manliclic, is a Los Angeles-based artist, documentary film-maker, poet, song-writer, art collector and advisor. Writing primarily on love, family, home and personal experiences he has collected art for almost three decades. His interest in collecting began at age 17, buying vases, textiles, photographs and prints of his favorite artists…Rothko and Van Gogh. Initially thinking he could never afford original art works of any kind, he took it as merely a hobby, but by chance it all rekindled when he began working at an antique shop and later volunteering at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. From there he expanded into multiple avenues in the art world: working as a docent at various museums, an artist assistant and then art consultant/advisor at several Hawaii-based galleries.
Brian has called many places home, San Francisco, San Diego, and most importantly the islands of Hawaii. He currently resides in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.
His mentors include Harry Tsuchidana, Jay Jensen, Neida Bangerter, Sidney Yee, Sergio Vasquez and Orron Kenyatta Marshall.
“Art has changed my life and motivated me to want the best for my fellow human beings, because without art where would I be. Art will forever be the lifeblood that moves me and what I hope I’m remembered for...I dream of art, poetry and my island home almost every night before I sleep.” Brian Kuba