Summer Symposium Considers Digital Latin America

May 12, 2014

An exciting and interactive symposium on "Digital Latin America" is scheduled to take place this summer in Albuquerque. To be held June 7 through August 30, 2014, this event will include a multi-site exhibition, symposium, and downtown block party focused on exploring the North/South axis of cultural development and exchange between South America, Central America, and the United States. It is organized by 516 Arts in partnership with the UNM Art Museum (and other UNM partners), the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History, and the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Digital Latin America looks at the ways in which artists negotiate the complex terrain between global and local, virtual and real, and political and private, in the creation of work that proposes alternative understandings of technology, art and cultural exchange. Connecting individuals, cultures, traditions and social histories to a rapidly expanding global network remains not only a pressing challenge, but a profound opportunity and necessity. The utopian notion of closing the "digital divide" represents a paradigm shift that encourages the participation of all communities and cultures to express themselves through contemporary methods and continue a progressive existence in today's technology dependent society.

In keeping with the values of 516 ARTS, the issues of access to technology and communication among cultures are at the core of this effort, which centers around the international exhibition featuring 16 contemporary artists from Latin America and the U.S. with innovative, interactive artwork. Artists are from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Navajo Nation and the United States. The exhibition is based at 516 ARTS, with satellite works at the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History and at UNM Art Museum, and is accompanied by an exhibition catalog published by Radius Books.

For more information, visit the 516 Arts website or see the symposium and program guide.