Cultural Layers: Conversations on Public Art and Community

Join us for a panel discussion on One Columbia’s Cultural Layers, a public art initiative that preserves and celebrates the histories of Columbia’s African American communities through visual storytelling. Organized by the Friends of African American Art & Culture in partnership with One Columbia, this program features muralist Daniel Esquivia-Zapata, videographer Malcolm Vanhannegeyn, and Walker Local and Family History Center manager Margaret C. Dunlap in conversation about their collaborative processes and the role of public art in reflecting cultural memory, identity, and place. The discussion is moderated by Aisha Jones, senior partnership & engagement associate at Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network and FAAAC board member. 

Free. 

Daniel Esquivia-Zapata — Muralist 
Originally from San Jacinto, Bolívar, Colombia, Daniel Esquivia-Zapata brings a unique perspective to African American storytelling. A graduate of Benedict College, he studied under celebrated artist Tyrone Geter and developed deep ties to Columbia’s cultural fabric. His work explores identity, cultural memory, and history through layered imagery and text, creating powerful visual narratives that honor underrepresented communities and stand as bold testaments to African American resilience.

Malcolm Vanhannegeyn — Videographer 
Hailing from Swansea, Malcolm Vanhannegeyn is a rising cinematographer and graduate of the University of South Carolina Upstate. His work brings African American history and culture to life through thoughtful, visually rich storytelling. With meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to preserving lived experiences, his video work captures the spirit and resilience of African American communities in ways that both educate and inspire.

Margaret Dunlap — Walker Local and Family History Center Manager, Richland Library
Margaret Dunlap is currently the manager of the Walker Local and Family History Center at Richland Library Main. With over 15 years of experience as a reference librarian in the local history department, Dunlap has enjoyed assisting researchers from all walks of life find that obscure fact, image, or public record that will aid in the greater understanding of our shared local history. She writes historical blogs and serves as the curator of The State Newspaper Photograph Archive and the Midlands Memories digital collection for the library. A Columbia native, she received her MLIS from the University of South Carolina.

Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. One Columbia gratefully acknowledges the collaboration of their community partners on the project: Columbia SC 63, Richland County Library, Ward One Organization, and the A’ja Wilson Foundation, with the generous support from the Knight Foundation. 

Can we assist you with accommodations for accessibility during your visit? Please let us know at 803-799-2810 or [email protected].