Still Here is an interactive exhibit + immersive experience rooted in stories about Black women and HIV. Brought to life in a hair salon.

Still Here uses the power of storytelling to build social impact.

The project brings together a dynamic group of multidisciplinary artists and storytellers to unearth and focus-in on the unique realities faced by Black communities across the diaspora.

Working collaboratively, the storytelling cohort produces an issue of STILL HERE Magazine. The collected stories and special edition magazine inspires the production of new a live, immersive and interactive experience. Together, the magazine and the live experience raise awareness, inspire action and build a healthier and more informed Black community. This initiative is a reminder that–in spite of all the odds we are–still here.

Through the magazine, our goal is to expand the canon of stories that may or may not exist about Black people and our experiences.

Through the live experience, our goal is to reflect on our individual and collective assumptions about each other and allow the narratives of those directly impacted by an issue–move us.

Choose your path into Still Here…

Installation Experience Performance Experience

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Still Here Installation Experience

Still-Here-Live-Experience-Concept-Deck-5.29

An interactive exhibit inside a working beauty salon

Step inside DreamGirls Hair Salon and find yourself surrounded by the sights, sounds, and textures of care, community, and truth‑telling. This immersive installation invites audiences to explore the layered realities of Black women living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS—through storytelling, sound, visual art, and salon‑inspired environments.

Set inside an actual hair salon, the gallery reimagines each corner of the space:

Sit under a hooded dryer and hear real talk about stigma and survival
Watch video performance from the intimacy of a shampoo bowl
Trace data visualizations built from everyday beauty supplies
Witness mirrors, textures, and objects transformed into portals of memory and resistance

Every detail is designed to spark reflection, conversation, and care. The Still Here Installation Experience is part gallery, part archive, part sacred salon.

Artists + credits

Featuring artwork by YoYo Lander, Nikiya Mathis & others
Creative direction by williambryantmiles & Nickolas Vaughan
Technical design by Luna Lux

More Details

Hours: TBD
Free with RSVP
Plan ~45 minutes
Recommended 14+

Installation RSVP See Performance Times

Still Here Performance Experience

Still Here Live Experience Concept Deck 5.29.25

An intimate 360° salon performance like no other

Set entirely inside DreamGirls Hair Salon, the Still Here Performance Experience blends live theater, movement, soundscape, and video to create a multi‑sensory journey. Each performance surrounds the audience—inviting you to sit alongside, in between, and inside the stories of Black women navigating HIV, love, health, and healing.

Devised in collaboration with a company of multi‑disciplinary performers, Still Here is rooted in joy, grief, intimacy, and resistance. No two performances are exactly alike—but every show offers a portal into a world where beauty, truth, and survival sit side by side in the salon chair.

Cast + credits

Featuring Marinda Anderson, Neverending Nina, Milan Reneau, Jude Tibeau & Akilah A. Walker
Creative direction by williambryantmiles & Nickolas Vaughan
Movement direction by Roxi Victorian
Costume design by Ceci
Technical design by Luna Lux

Practical info

Runtime ~60 minutes
No intermission
No late seating
Recommended 14+

Installation RSVP See Performance Times

Wind Down Conversations

Select performances conclude with a post-show Wind Down—a facilitated conversation with members of the creative team. It’s a space to process, ask questions, and connect with others who witnessed the work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the Installation and the Performance?

The Installation is a free, self-guided exhibit. The Performance is a live, ticketed show with actors and movement.

Is this appropriate for teens?

Recommended for ages 14+, with parental guidance due to mature themes. Some exhibits include strong language and sexually explicit content.

Are photos allowed?

Yes, but only in designated areas.

What if I have accessibility needs?

The salon space includes seating and standing areas. If you have accessibility needs, contact us in advance so we can support your visit.

installation hours

Thu: 10a–4p
Fri: 10a–12p
Sat: 10a–12p
Sun: 10a–12p

rsvp for installation

performance times

Thu: 5p & 8p
Fri: 1p & 8p *
Sat: 1p & 8p *
Sun: 1p, 4p & 8p *

*These performances include a Wind Down conversation

buy performance tickets

Location

DreamGirls Hair Salon5441 Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230

Parking

We encourage rideshare, public transit, or carpool to access DreamGirls Salon. Street parking is extremely limited on Sepulveda Boulevard. Please avoid residential streets to prevent tickets or towing

Accessibility

The salon space includes seating and standing areas. If you have accessibility needs, contact us in advance so we can support your visit.

Content Advisory

Still Here is recommended for audiences 14+. Some exhibits include strong language and sexually explicit content.

editorial team live experience team waco team

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Editorial Team

The inaugural issue of STILL HERE MAGAZINE, is set for release Summer 2025.

The issue centers the experiences of Black women living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS. It features the stories of Black mothers, sisters, pastors, artists, neighbors, and others who illuminate the current state of HIV within the Black community. The inaugural issue is funded in part by a grant from Gilead Sciences and will be distributed in community locations across Los Angles, Houston and Baton Rouge

Asha French

Contributing Writer

Ashley C. Ford

Contributing Writer

Brea Baker

Contributing Writer

Christina Coleman

Managing Editor

Crystal Irby

Contributing Writer

Daria Cottingham

Contributing Writer

Deun Ivory

Cover Shoot Photographer

Dontaira Terrell

Contributing Writer

Jamilah Lemieux

Editor-In-Chief

Jessica Udeh

Art Director

Genel Ambrose

Narrative Strategist

Johnica Rivers

Contributing Writer

Josie Pickens

Contributing Writer

Keesh Winkler-Smith

Lead Makeup Artist, Cover

Keyaira Boone

Contributing Writer

Keyaira Kelly

Contributing Writer

Kierra Gray

Contributing Writer

Kimberly Knight

Contributing Writer

LaDeia Joyce

Contributing Writer

Lenora Houseworth

Contributing Writer

Loyiso Lindani

Contributing Writer

Marissa Evans

Contributing Writer

Melissa Kimble

Contributing Writer

Dr. Michelle Taylor

Contributing Writer

Natelegé Whaley

Copy Writer

Rae Lewis Thornton

Contributing Writer

Rukeyah Jones

Contributing Writer

Sarah Springer

Producer, Cover

Saray Guidetti

Producer, Cover

Photo Courtesy of Laci Jordan

Shamira Ibrahim

Contributing Writer

Sharyon Culberson

Contributing Writer

Shayla Lawson

Contributing Writer

Shirlena Allen

Lead Hair Artist, Cover

Thea Monyee

Contributing Writer

Tierra Smith

Contributing Writer

Sylvia Obell

Cover Story Writer

Sesali Bowen

Contributing Writer

Verneda Adele

Contributing Writer

Victoria Goldiee

Contributing Writer

Live Experience Team

The world premier live experience launches in Los Angeles September 2025

For this multidisciplinary performance and exhibition—we take it to the salon. Join our newsletter for more information and how to RSVP. The inaugural live experience is funded in part by a grant from Gilead Sciences and will tour to Los Angles, Houston and Baton Rouge.