The Rio Grande International Study Center is seeking artists and cultural workers to participate in its newest two-year cultural and artistic pilot initiative, CompARTE.
The initiative aims to foster environmental awareness and civic engagement across 11 inner-city neighborhoods located along the Rio Grande and Zacate Creek.
The participating neighborhoods include La Ladrillera, San Francisco Javier/El Tonto, El Cuatro/El Rincón del Diablo, Barrio Azteca, Chacon, Santo Niño, Sal Si Puedes, Las Cruces, Siete Viejo, El Trompe and La Guadalupe.
“By offering a series of place-based arts, culture and storytelling programming, we center fronterizo voices and experiences through our connection to nature and land,†RGISC said in a statement.
The organization is seeking artists in a variety of mediums, including visual arts such as painting, photography, murals and comics. Cultural workers with backgrounds in spirituality, wellness cooking, herbalism and nature-based practices are also encouraged to apply, along with interdisciplinary artists who combine multiple forms of expression.
Over the course of six months, six selected arts and culture partners will work alongside residents in the participating neighborhoods to create projects honoring the communities' shared histories and experiences.
Selected participants will receive a $5,000 stipend, opportunities for professional development and collaborative spaces to connect with artists pursuing neighborhood-based storytelling and community-centered work.
The deadline to apply is June 31 at 11:59 p.m. Interviews are scheduled to take place July 1-5, with participant notifications expected between June 10, and the fellowship period to last from June 15 and Nov. 15.
