NATIVE INGENUITY
Arts event showcases indigenous works in 12 creative arenas
Two days. That’s the amount of time that the Rezilience Indigenous Arts Experience will take place at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
The exhibition brings together more than 12 organizations and a number of creative professionals to share their programs, talents, skills and knowledge in 12 creative arenas.
The event is sectioned into “Voice,” “Movement,” “Design,” “Inspire,” “Insight,” “Vision,” “Create,” “Expression,” “Style,” “Innovate,” “Sustenance” and “Exchange.”
Each of the sections will be wellrepresented.
“Our goal is to bring together the positive examples that exist within our communities,” says Warren Montoya, executive director of Rezilience. “We want to promote growth and creativity.”
Montoya and his team have been working for more than six months in preparing the event for its second year.
And there will be more events in general this year.
“There’s a fashion show, and we will have pop-up galleries,” he says. “There’s also a film showcase, even a drop-in filmmaking workshop. It’s an event for all ages and brings together the artists and creatives in the community.”
On Saturday, April 29, there will be a “Voice” concert, featuring a roster of energetic indigenous performers in both traditional and contemporary styles. It will feature Lindy Vision, an indie-electro new wave rock band, and singersongwriter Raye Zaragoza, among others.
Nathaniel Fuentes is in charge of the performers and says he’s looking for artists with a message.
“It’s about the story that each musician has to tell,” he says. “That’s what I’m looking for. I’m looking for a little bit of mainstream to it, as well. We’ve got a lot of award nominees performing this year.”
Montoya says a key component of the Sunday, April 30, event is the Exchange Market Place, featuring 40 vendors.
“This is a great opportunity for indigenous artisans and businesses from our communities to connect with more diverse crowds,” he says.
For the second year, premiere art institutions and organizations will collaborate with RezArtX to create a dynamic day of community activities.
SITE Santa Fe will highlight a zine project by Native American students from Santa Fe Indian School and artist Raven Chacon (Navajo).
The Heard Museum of Phoenix will produce a drop-in printmaking workshop with master printmaker Jacob Meders (Mechoopda Maidu) and renowned textile artist Melissa Cody (Navajo).
“We are thrilled to support this festival for the second year in a row,” says Marcus Monenerkit (Comanche), Heard Museum director of community engagement. “As an arts community, we need to collaborate and hold space to garner more awareness about who indigenous people are today.”