From the latter half of the 20th century, the state has produced a number of notable painters such as Rufino Tamayo, Rodolfo Nieto, Rodolfo Morales, and Francisco Toledo. These four painters have been influential in the establishment of new movements of art from the state. These movements have spurred exhibitions, galleries, museums and schools such as the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MACO) and Instituto de Artes Gr�ficas de Oaxaca(IAGO). Many of today�s artists from Oaxaca have been inspired by past indigenous paintings as well as the colonial era works of Miguel Cabrera.
The state has not produced as many writers as painters but some important names include Adalberto Carriedo, Jacobo Dalevuelta, Andr�s Henestrosa and Natalia Toledo.
Music and dance are almost inextricably linked to the state�s folkloric heritage. Even more modern composers such as Macedonio Alcal�, Samuel, Mondrag�n Noriega and Jos� L�pez Alav�s are strongly influenced by traditional melodies. Traditional music and dance has its roots in the indigenous traditions that existed long before the Spanish arrived. To these traditions were added elements from European culture and Catholicism. The three main traditions to be found in the state are those of the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs, with a small but distinct community of Afro-Mexicans. Some of the best known dances include Los Diablos, La Tortuga, Las Mascaritas and Los Tejorones. In the Afro-Mexican Costa Chica region, a dance called Las Chilenas stands out. La Sandunga is a song that typifies the musical style of the Tehuantepec region and a musical style called �son bioxho� is an endemic form of the son style played with drums, an empty tortoise shell and a reed flute.
Oaxaca Film Fest celebrated in the second week of November is dedicated to the recognition and advancement of outstanding achievement in cinema, creating opportunities for filmmakers, and providing audiences with outstanding entertainment
