Call for Writers: Ekphrastic Curator for Indigenous Art Exhibit

La Sala is seeking a skilled and passionate Latine/x writer living within the Greater Seattle Area who identifies as Indigenous from the Americas to serve as an Ekphrastic Curator for an upcoming art exhibit. The ideal candidate will possess not only a strong background in writing but also organizational experience and deep ties to either the English, Spanish, or Indigenous language within the Latine/x community.

As an Ekphrastic Curator, you will be tasked with seeking up to ten Latine/x Indigenous writers who will in turn create written interpretations and responses to visual artworks created by the visual artists of our exhibit. These ekphrastic writings will enhance the audience's understanding and appreciation of the exhibited pieces, bridging the gap between visual and literary expression. 

You will collaborate closely with the artists, the visual curator of the exhibit (world-renown local Latine/x Indigenous Artist Fulgencio Lazo), the event organizers, and other stakeholders to ensure that written interpretations align with the intended messages and themes of the exhibit. You will also teach a workshop on how to use works of art as an inspiration to writing.

This is an opportunity to contribute to the promotion and celebration of Latine/x Indigenous art and culture, fostering dialogue and understanding in our community.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to female-identified individuals, LGQBT+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those who identify as neurodiverse, to apply.

About the Project

Indigenous people in Mexico make up 68 ethnic groups. In Central America, Indigenous people make up 16.4% of the population. In South America, there are 228 Indigenous people groups.

"Indigenous Connections in Mexico and the Americas" is an exhibition that will run at Columbia City Gallery from November 2024 to January 2025. The exhibit aims to showcase visual Indigenous artists and their connections to Mexico and the Americas. Ekphrastic visual and writing workshops, as well as a curator-led reception, will further engage the community.

This exhibit will be among the first in Seattle to showcase visual Indigenous artists from these regions, accompanied by an ekphrastic writing component. The ekphrastic component will match an Indigenous literary artist with an Indigenous visual work, generating another level of connection through prose or poetry.

Timeline

• Application submission deadline: April 30, 2024

• Selection of Ekphrastic Curator: May 21, 2024

• Deadline for selection of Latine/x Indigenous Writers: July 1, 2024

• Deadline for submission of Ekphrastic writings: September 15. 2024

• Ekphrastic Workshop: November of December 2024

Compensation

A stipend of $1,500 will be provided to the selected ekphrastic curator, in addition to the opportunity to showcase your writing in a prominent exhibition setting, gaining visibility and recognition within the arts community.

Application

To apply, please submit the following materials to info@lasalanw.org by April 30, 2024:

• Cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant experience, and why you are interested in serving as the Ekphrastic Curator for this exhibit.

• A professional resume.

• Writing samples demonstrating your ability to analyze and interpret visual art.

We look forward to receiving your applications and working together to create an enriching and inspiring art experience for our audience.