Expressing Hip-Hop Culture at The HERC

Fostering community is the name of the game at The Hip-hop Education Resource Center (HERC). Since 2009, The HERC has been a safe space for artists to convene, express themselves and add their unique flair to the community. They offer a variety of art classes and workshops that range from breakdancing to DJing. This year’s Block Party, taking place on May 27, will be a gathering celebrating the diverse culture and the adaptive space that is The HERC. Executive director Joshua Perkins defines the collaborative space as “always evolving.” 

In defining The HERC’s core principles, Perkins says, “The only reason the space is able to work is because of the safe space, ownership, collaboration and accessibility.” Everyone is welcome and celebrated in their fullness in the community, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation or other identities. 

The HERC’s current building on 2505 South State St., opened its doors in 2016, partnering with South Salt Lake to host after school programming. Facing logistical challenges, the organization had no choice but to grow. Accessibility blossomed when they decided to expand their offerings to more than just hip-hop–cultured classes. “[Allowing only hip-hop centered artists] was a hindrance to the growth of the facility,” says Perkins. About a year later, the expansion became tangible, and The HERC earned its wings. “We’re like a, ‘ready, fire, aim’ type of organization,” he says. During the pandemic, The HERC found a silver lining and opened their doors and studio spaces to struggling artists and instructors. 

“For the people and communities that participate in [hip-hop], it defines their way of living.”

Among these creators is artist Chris Owens, who found a sense of solace at The HERC when he relocated to Utah. “Being an artist and coming to the city with no support, it was huge,” Owens says. “Having a space to display your art is valuable and grants opportunities that help [me] in the bigger picture.” Owens started off dancing and helping out with events at The HERC. Now, he plays an integral role as creative director of 1520 Arts, the umbrella nonprofit organization for The HERC. “It’s an incubator for local businesses that don’t necessarily get the opportunity. You have the ability to grow healthily,” Owens says. His work with The HERC blends seamlessly into his career now and acted as a monumental stepping stone in his artistic journey.

Hip-hop is important in Salt Lake City as it allows people to be seen. As a niche hobby and lifestyle in the city, hip-hop communities can be difficult to find; those seeking it can feel right at home at The HERC. “For the people and communities that participate in [hip-hop], it defines their way of living,” Perkins says. “It gives them a voice for self-expression and provides safety and security—all the things a culture can provide.” Hip-hop is an alternative form of expression well deserving of the support and resources to thrive. 

In a similar way, the importance of dance in a community allows for self-expression in both individuals and groups. “You as a dancer are responsible for your own individual creation,” says Perkins. “It’s your thing. It’s your accomplishment, and no one can take that away from you. However, you can now share that within the community.” It’s a versatile and infectious art form where movement becomes vocabulary. 

Locals can celebrate and experience all the magnificence of The HERC at their annual Block Party, occurring May 27 from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. It’s a free, all-ages event featuring local artists, vendors, food trucks, dance battles and other performances. The Block Party is the perfect way to engage and connect with people in the community and to learn more about the significance of hip-hop in our modern culture. For Perkins and Owens, the event is a chance to witness first-hand their growth and build on the previous year. 

“Having a space to display your art is valuable and grants opportunities that help [me] in the bigger picture.”

This year’s event will have more space, more city support and more activities than previous Block Parties; it will be The HERC’s most diverse Block Party yet. “Everyone that is core to The HERC was asked to be a part of it,” says Perkins. Owens is most excited for the art show, which features more local talent than ever before. He’ll be showcasing his original art and raising awareness for the community he’s helped to cultivate. 

If you just can’t get enough, make sure to check out 1520 Art’s upcoming theater performance, They Reminisce. It’s a hip-hop theater broadcast, engaging viewers in entertainment, digestible education of hip-hop history and captivating dancers. They Reminisce runs September 15–16 at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.

Catch all the latest news from The HERC on their Instagram @slc_herc and follow their umbrella nonprofit organization @1520arts. For even more information, check out their websites slcherc.com and 1520arts.com. 

Read more on The HERC and local hip-hop:
Educating The Next Generation of Disc Jockeys
Chris Owens: Devoted Bboy From Utah