Esperanza Center for Peace & Justice

»	Arte Es Vida Platicàs

Project Description

Addressing issues of cultural equity and democracy, Arte Es Vida Platicàs brings Nuestras Sabiàs (elder wise women artists) and other artists to perform and participate in platicas (dialogues) within marginalized communities of San Antonio. Performances and "cultural grounding" dialogues exploring cultural traditions and the role of the arts in people's lives encourage citizens to reconnect to their own cultural expressions and identity, and to build confidence to participate in larger civic dialogue. The Arte Es Vida Platicàs project addresses how diverse artistic and cultural expressions can gain respect, support, and appropriate representation by the city in tourism, labor, business, government, and education. Through a series of subsequent dialogues facilitated by animadoras (trained artists, partners, and community members), these diverse communities discuss with city leaders, cultural organizations, and stakeholders issues of cultural equity, public arts funding, cultural tourism, and the role of culturally diverse expressions in San Antonio. Arte Es Vida Platicàs explores ways to reduce barriers that discourage participation by marginalized citizens in civic dialogue.