Open Call for Visual Artists: "Abya Yala: Indigenous Connections en Latinoamérica"

Artwork by Fulgencio Lazo. Viajes Culturales (Cultural Journeys), 2023. Acrylic on canvas 30 x 48 x 1.50 in

La Sala cordially invites visual artists of Indigenous descent residing in Washington State with connections to Mexico and the Americas to submit their 2D and 3D works for consideration in our upcoming exhibition, "Abya Yala: Indigenous Connections en Latinoamérica," slated to run from November 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025, at Columbia City Gallery.

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. To showcase their talent, La Sala is creating this special exhibit, among the first in Seattle to showcase visual Indigenous visual artists with connections to Mexico and the Americas.

This initiative aims to spotlight the rich and diverse talents of Indigenous peoples in our region, featuring both visual artworks and an ekphrastic writing component. We seek to celebrate Indigenous culture and heritage by showcasing the works of up to 10 artists alongside written interpretations crafted by Indigenous writers.

This exhibition will provide a unique platform for artists to share their stories and perspectives, fostering connections and a multi-dimensional ekphrastic dialogue between visual and literary art forms. Selected artists will have the opportunity to engage with the community through workshops and a curator-led reception, promising a vibrant and inclusive celebration of Indigenous creativity in Seattle. Both the artwork and the ekphrastic writing will be part of an upcoming printed book catalog that will be available during the exhibit.

About Identity

We invite Latine/x artists who self-identify as of Indigenous descent to submit their work. We understand that identity is complex and multifaceted, and we are committed to celebrating the diversity within indigenous communities. Therefore, we welcome submissions from:

• Latine/x artists who self-identify as indigenous, regardless of whether they are officially recognized by a tribe or community.

• Latine/x artists whose work may not fit traditional or stereotypical notions of indigenous art.

• Latine/x artists who may not speak an indigenous language or practice traditional customs.

• Latine/x artists whose indigenous heritage may have been severed long ago or across many generations.

Our aim is to create a space that honors the rich, varied experiences and expressions of indigenous artists. Your voice and vision matter, and we encourage you to share your unique perspective with us.

Submission Deadline:

August 25, 2024 by midnight

Submission Guidelines:

• Only visual artists of Indigenous descent with connections to Mexico and/or the Americas are invited to submit their work for consideration.

• Artists must reside in Washington State to be able to participate.

• Submissions must be sent via email to info@lasalanw.org by the deadline of Sunday August 25, 2024 before midnight. Please include "Indigenous Connections Visual Artwork Submission" in the subject line of the email.

• Artists may submit up to five pieces for consideration, including both 2D and 3D works, in JPEG format. Each file must be named the following way: LastName_FirstName_Number.jpg (for example: Lazo_Fulgencio_1.jpg, Lazo_Fulgencio_2.jpg, etc.)

• Along with the artwork, artists must provide a brief artist statement highlighting their cultural connections and artistic inspirations.

Selection Process:

• Works will be reviewed and selected by local Indigenous artist Fulgencio Lazo and a panel of members and curators from La Sala.

• Selected artists will be notified via email by September 1st, 2024.

Compensation

Besides receiving a small stipend and the ability to sell their work during this exhibit, selected artists will have the opportunity to:

• Showcase their work alongside an ekphrastic writing component

• Network at artists' receptions

• Participate in workshops on Indigenous art and ekphrastic writing

Contact Information

For inquiries or submissions, please contact info@lasalanw.org.