> Define cultural engineering :
Cultural engineering mobilizes integrated methods and tools to foster a global approach. It allows to have a prospective vision of culture.
Its growth is linked to the development of art and culture, the professionalization of its actors, as well as the growing integration of cultural processes and projects into social-economic continuums. It integrates art and human genius into a complementary and interdependent approach, necessary for creative, production, infrastructure, organization and political issues.
Sha Davis: Musician, Performance Artist, Cultural Engineer, Arts Administrator,
Welcome to the world of Sha Davis—a multifaceted force in Houston's thriving arts scene. Known for her roles as a cultural engineer, arts administrator, music advocate, and dynamic performance artist, Sha’s impact transcends disciplines and communities, continuously driving innovation and creative expression.
Performance Artist & Sound Healing Visionary
As a multidisciplinary artist, Sha has become a prominent figure in Houston's performance art landscape, combining her talents as a vocalist, sound bowl practitioner, and performance artist to create transformative experiences. Her dedication to sound healing has guided her artistic practice, fostering spaces for healing, reflection, and connection through music and sound.
Sha’s performances are celebrated for their emotional depth and spiritual resonance, with audiences drawn to her ability to merge sound, movement, and healing practices. Her artistry extends into collaborative ventures across Texas, from live performances and sound healing workshops to visual and musical installations that push creative boundaries. Currently, she is preparing for the highly anticipated release of her Spring 2025 album, which promises to be a captivating blend of soulful melodies, spoken word, and sound healing frequencies.
Residencies & Storytelling
Sha’s commitment to her craft is further exemplified through her prestigious residencies, which fuel her creative exploration:
The Anderson Center for Art: Performance Art Residency – where she delves into the power of performance to bridge communities and foster healing through artistic expression.
Music Box EADO: Performance Art Residency – where she continues to experiment with sound healing and live performance, curating immersive experiences that challenge traditional boundaries of art and performance.
BANFF Bipoc Storyteller Residency – a powerful platform where Sha is focused on gathering qualitative analysis from recipients of grant funding and translating those insights into her art. By capturing their stories and experiences, Sha transforms them into narrative-driven performance art, deepening the connection between community and creativity.
Through these residencies, Sha has expanded her storytelling techniques, translating complex social and cultural dynamics into visceral performances. Her ability to gather and interpret community-driven narratives enriches her artistic work, creating deeper layers of meaning in her performances.
The Love Project & Creative Impact
At the heart of Sha’s artistic journey is "The Love Project", a groundbreaking initiative designed to promote healing and human connection through music and art. This project received the prestigious Let Creativity Happen Grant from the City of Houston’s Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs and Houston Arts Alliance in 2023, recognizing its unique approach to blending sound healing with community engagement. Through this platform, Sha has created spaces where vulnerability and artistic expression meet, leaving a lasting impact on her audience.
Sha’s collaboration with The Heights Theatre and a team of talented artists has resulted in what is shaping up to be their most ambitious work to date. Together, they have successfully merged music, sound healing, and visual art into immersive performances that have captivated Houston’s creative community, further solidifying her influence in the region.
Civic Arts Manager & Cultural Pioneer
As the Civic Arts Manager for the City of Sugar Land, Sha Davis has championed a new era of public art and community engagement. Under her leadership, the city has seen a record number of commissioned public art pieces, including the famed Function Bench Series and Silver Dollar Sculpture installations at Oyster Creek Park, drawing attention to the city’s growing artistic landscape. Sha has also launched multiple citywide arts programs and initiatives aimed at fostering local talent, engaging the community, and highlighting the transformative power of art in public spaces.
Her impact is most evident in the success of the Sugar Land Arts Gala, a key event she established that celebrates the achievements of the city’s arts community while raising awareness for continued support of public arts. From creating artist workshops to mentoring emerging artists, Sha’s dedication to arts advocacy has left a significant mark on the region.
Music Advocacy & Leadership
In addition to her work in public arts, Sha is an influential advocate for music and creative equity. As Co-Chair and Founding Board Member of the Women In Music Houston Chapter, she is passionate about providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for women in the music industry. Sha is also a sitting board member of the Grammy Academy, where she continues to champion issues like equitable pay for artists and greater recognition of diverse talent.
As Civic Arts Manager for the City of Sugar Land, Sha Davis has led a transformative effort to bring the music industry to the city, where previously none existed. A trailblazer in this endeavor, Sha spearheaded the creation of Sugar Land’s first Music Advisory Board, a crucial step in making Sugar Land a part of the Texas Music Office’s Music Friendly Texas Certified Community Program. This certification places Sugar Land on the map as a hub for music, offering critical resources to local musicians, venues, and music industry stakeholders.
Under Sha’s leadership, the board aims to cultivate a thriving local music scene by promoting live music events and advocating for artists, venues, and vendors. Sha's vision materialized in the success of Sugar Land’s inaugural Make Music Day music festival in June 2023, an event that brought together local talent and engaged the community. Her dedication to building industry infrastructure is evident in her work to collect music industry data, mentor local talent, and forge partnerships between artists and venues.
Sha’s efforts have paved the way for more frequent and accessible live music opportunities, from intimate busker performances at Imperial Farmers Market to larger community events like Summer of Sound and Honey Land. By fostering collaboration between local venues and musicians, she is reshaping the music culture in Sugar Land, creating both economic and cultural opportunities for the city.
The new Music Advisory Board, inspired by Houston’s program, holds monthly meetings to discuss industry needs, collect feedback, and generate ideas to grow Sugar Land’s music scene. With key members from diverse musical backgrounds, including promoters and performers, the board works to ensure that Sugar Land becomes a vibrant and sustainable home for the music industry.
Her contributions to the arts extend to her involvement with the Arts District Advocacy Council, where she tirelessly advocates for increased municipal funding and support for local artists. Through her leadership, Sha has successfully created new opportunities for artists, musicians, and cultural workers in Houston, continuously working to expand the city’s arts ecosystem.
Looking Forward: New Projects & Upcoming Album
As Sha looks toward the future, her work continues to evolve, driven by her passion for healing and creative expression. Her upcoming Spring 2025 album, a project close to her heart, will feature a unique fusion of her signature soulful vocals, sound healing techniques, and spoken word, inviting listeners to embark on a transformative journey through sound.
With each new endeavor, Sha remains dedicated to pushing creative limits, using her art to inspire, heal, and connect communities. From large-scale public art projects and community workshops to intimate performances, she continues to shape Houston's cultural landscape while advocating for the power of the arts to create meaningful change.