How can cultural activities
result in greater models of equity?
SANTA FE ART
INSTITUTE
2013-2016
As the Residency Program Manager at the Santa Fe Art Institute (SFAI) Nina collaborated to implement unique programs that bring together innovation and greater social impact to the historic residency program. These programs support international artists within the unique cultural and physical landscape of Northern New Mexico, where they are encouraged to engage with diverse communities and address some of the most pressing issues of our time. The SFAI Residency Program hosts more than 60 international artists a year and has a reputation as one of the most impactful residencies for social practice and interdisciplinary artists and activists.
These programs were supported by strategic partnerships with the Canada Council for the Arts, the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture, the Greek Fulbright Foundation, as well as regional organizations such as Moving Arts Espanola, the Acequia Association, and Creative Santa Fe. The program received the 2015 Robert Rauschenburg Award for Arts and Activism, and is supported by the NEA, the McCune Foundation, the Sustainable Arts Foundation, the Warhol Foundation, the Rasmuson Foundation.
RESIDENCIES
SFAI adopted annual curatorial themes that gathered global thinkers, makers, and problem solvers to address pressing issues. By connecting international residents with regional communities, these thematic years ensured scalable, creative solutions to topics of great importance. Nina helped to design the annual theme structure, and worked with residents around Food Justice, Immigration & Emigration, and Water Rights.
EVENTS
Residents and local communities come together at SFAI through workshops, curated conversations, and events. SFAI became a hallmark event in which 20 presenters would each speak for 140 seconds, offering audiences a dynamic and diverse glimpse into the annual theme.
TOURS
Nina implemented monthly tours for the SFAI residents. In one day, she would introduce the international visitors to sites of cultural, ecological, and political importance, and help them learn how to access local resources during their residency.
