About Weyni Kahsay
If we don't preserve our stories, someone else will write them for us.
Weyni Kahsay is the Founder and Director of Afro Air Festival and currently serves as an Art Gallery Coordinator, Cultural Programs Coordinator, and Curator at the South Dallas Cultural Center. A first-generation Eritrean American born and raised in Dallas, Texas, she earned dual Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in New Media Arts and Drawing & Painting, along with a minor in Art History, from the University of North Texas. Her multidisciplinary background reflects her commitment to exploring creative expression across diverse mediums and cultural perspectives.
As an interdisciplinary conceptual artist, Weyni draws inspiration from everyday life, her Eritrean heritage, experimentation, nonconformity, and the complexities of human behavior. Her work transforms abstract ideas into immersive experiences through video scratching performances, installations, photography, wearable art, drawing, and painting.
Central to her practice is an exploration of identity, belonging, and the duality of being a first-generation American. Through her work, she examines cultural intersections while creating opportunities for dialogue, celebration, and connection. Her projects often emphasize community engagement, bringing people together through dance, visual art, storytelling, and shared cultural experiences.
Beyond her studio practice, Weyni is an accomplished curator, cultural programmer, and event organizer dedicated to fostering inclusive spaces for creative expression and cultural exchange. Through initiatives such as Afro Air Festival, storytelling documentaries, art and dance workshops, and community-centered programming, she works to amplify diverse voices and strengthen connections across cultures.