Jay-Z’s motto is to “Always Bet On Yourself.” His formula has paid off since he has continuously shaped the culture and broken barriers for nearly three decades. 

Now, fans can uncover more about his career through The Book Of HOV exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library. Variety magazine said the 40,000-square-foot exhibit provides a deep dive into Jay-Z’s life and career through seven themed “zones” that explore his influence on music, culture, business, and social justice. With a curated collection of recordings, clothing, artifacts, audio tours, and videos, this homage to Jay-Z is a must-visit for fans and enthusiasts. 

According to Hot New Hip Hop website, the installation presented by Roc Nation has already made waves online before its launch on July 14. “The Brooklyn Library put Jay-Z’s lyrics on display outside of the building to formally announce the exhibit. On the opening night, his wife, Beyonce, and their daughter, Blue Ivy, were in attendance. Additionally, Rakim, Questlove, Lil Uzi Vert, Fat Joe, and more came to show support.”

According to the exhibit’s website, the Book Of HOV is a tribute exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, recognizing Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter’s extraordinary journey from Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to a global figure. The multimedia exhibit explores JAY-Z’s global impact as a musician, innovator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

The exhibit presents thousands of archived objects, including original recording masters, never-before-seen photos, iconic stage wear, prestigious awards and recognitions, and videos and artifacts from every facet of JAY-Z’s professional life. 

“Our goal, with The Book of HOV tribute exhibition, is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at a Hall of Fame songwriter and performer, successful business person, and a consequential philanthropist who has never forgotten the lessons he learned on the road to success. And the borough where his journey began,” according to the Brooklyn Library. 

The exhibit is free to visitors. To learn more about the exhibit, visit (TheBookOfHOV.com).

The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture is providing a round-up of free ways to make the most of the season. 

Public Art

Summer is the perfect time to explore over 600+ pieces of public artworks in the City of San Antonio’s Public Art Collection. All pieces are free and accessible to all, with newer installations by San Antonio artists including: 

• “Bloom” sculptures by artist Leticia Huerta at Southside Lions Park.
• “The Spirit Within” mural by collaborative artists Ashleigh Garza and Hailey Marmolejo at Historic Market Square.
• “Poet’s Pointe” by San Antonio artists Kim Bishop and Luis Valderas at 2509 W. Mistletoe. 

Art Exhibits

• The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture manages two gallery spaces – Centro de Artes and Culture Commons. Both are always free to visit. Currently on display in the Centro de Artes Gallery is “Soy de Tejas: A Statewide Survey of Latinx Art” by guest curator Rigoberto Luna. The exhibit runs through July 2, 2023. At the Culture Commons Gallery is “Between Yesterday & Tomorrow: Perspectives from Black Contemporary Artists of San Antonio” by guest curator Barbara Felix, on display now through November 18, 2023. 
• Now to June 29: Centro Cultural Aztlan is presenting Luis “Chispas” Guerrero’s “Metal to the Pedal.”
• Now to June 30: Salsa Diaz is displaying “Floating between Chaos and Peace” by San Antonio artist Alethia Jones.
• Now to August 11:The Texas Watercolor Society’s 74th Annual Exhibit is on display at the Kelso Art Center of the University of the Incarnate.
• Now to August 11: The International Encaustic Artists Annual Juried Exhibition: Wax and Wildflowers is on display at the San Antonio Art League and Museum.
• Now to September 3: Artpace San Antonio is hosting “We Are Quilted Together” by San Antonio artist Angela Guerra Walley.
• Now to September 3: The Contemporary at Blue Star is showing “Actions for the Earth: Art, Care & Ecology.”

Live Music and Concerts

• Every Thursday Night in June and July starting at 7:30 p.m.: Texas Public Radio, in partnership with the Department of Arts & Culture, hosts Summer Night City Live Music Series at Legacy Park. 
• July 4: The Heart of Texas Concert Band will close the 2022-23 season with the annual Independence Day concert, this year entitled “An Alamo City Fourth” starting at 3 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church. 

Literary Arts

• July 4 and August 1: The San Antonio African American Archive and Museum is offering Story Time in the Park for kids at Hemisfair starting at 10 a.m. 

Film Screenings

• July 8: The Mexican American Civil Rights Institute is offering a dive-in screening of a trio of indie shorts at Elmendorf Lake Park Pool starting at 8 p.m. 
• July 14 and August 11: The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is hosting its H-E-B Cinema on Will’s Plaza featuring family-friendly movies. 
• July 26: The San Antonio African American Archive and Museum is presenting its Black History Film Series: Freedom Riders at the Magik Theatre starting at 6 p.m. 

Get Creative and Moving 

• July 15 and July 17: SAY Sí is offering Summer Saturday Studio Sessions for all ages between 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
• July 15 and August 19: The City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office is hosting a Farmers & Artisans Market which kicks off with a free workout class at 9 a.m. at Mission Marquee Plaza.

Find even more arts and culture events and learn more about the Department of Arts & Culture at SanAntonio.gov/Arts and follow @GetCreativeSA

The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture officially appointed Nephtali De León as San Antonio’s new Poet Laureate. De León will serve as the City’s sixth Poet Laureate for a three-year term spanning April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2026.

About the Program

The duty of the Poet Laureate is to promote poetry and the literary arts in San Antonio and is tasked with developing innovative and inspiring public events and programs in conjunction with local organizations and the Department of Arts & Culture. The Poet Laureate also makes special appearances and attends various functions throughout their term. The Poet Laureate initiative has led to a greater appreciation and understanding of poetry and helped preserve and express our culture through the written and spoken word. San Antonio’s Poets Laureate have participated in over 750+ events, programs, projects throughout the city, state, the US and internationally during their terms burnishing our city’s reputation in the fields of arts, culture and education.

The concept of a Poet Laureate originated in England in the 1600s.The title Poet Laureate dates to the ancient Greeks and refers to the tradition of placing a laurel wreath or crown as recognition for significant achievements in literature or the arts. The United States Poet Laureate was established in 1937 and the State of Texas has appointed a Poet Laureate since 1932. In 2012, San Antonio was the first major Texas city to appoint a Poet Laureate. Each municipality establishes guidelines and criteria for the selection of its Poet Laureate and their duties. 

About De Leon

Nephtalí De León is a Chicano writer and artist known for his poetry, children’s stories, essays, paintings and sculptures. He was born in Laredo, Texas in 1945 as the son of migrant workers. Although neither of his parents received much formal education, Nephtalí has stated that they were responsible for first exposing him to literature. He published his first book— Chicanos: Our Background and Our Pride —in the early 1960s during his senior year of high school. He then expanded his work to include poetry and plays.

De León is also a visual artist who has worked in painting, sculpture, and mural art. His first children’s book I Will Catch the Sun received great praise. He has been published in Mexico, France, the U.S. and Spain with his stories being translated into several languages. He is also credited with illustrating most of his books. Currently, Nephtalí is a full-time poet, writer and painter who performs lectures and poetry at schools and community events.