The project was aimed at youth ages 12 to 23 and included a series of art workshops where participants could share their experiences and portray their stories through different artistic expressions.
The initiative sought to create a space where participants could express their emotions, share their stories, and reflect on identity, cultural roots, and the experience of living between two lands.
Art as a way to tell our stories
Migrating means much more than moving from one place to another. For many young people, it also means adapting to new environments, keeping their roots alive, and finding a sense of belonging.
Through art and expression, this project sought to bring visibility to the experiences of displacement and migration, recognizing the stories of those who are part of our community.
The project also invited participants to highlight the stories of diverse cultural identities within Dutchess County’s Hispanic population.
A project built through collaboration
The project featured the participation of artist Argeo Mondragón and coordinator Lala Montoya, who collaborated on developing a series of artistic activities for Dutchess County youth.
From December 5 to 8, 2023, four workshops were scheduled — three in person and one virtual — with activities designed to create meaningful works of art from the participants’ stories and experiences.
The initiative included a community exhibition on December 8 as a space to present the works, narratives, and perspectives developed during the project.
A gathering to share and reflect
The project included the participation of 40 youth and an attendance of 170 people.
Beyond the numbers, this experience centered the voices of young people whose stories deserve to be recognized and heard.
For Casa Comunitaria de Recursos, promoting spaces where people can express their identity and share their experiences helps strengthen connections and understanding within our community.
Recognizing those who made the project possible
This initiative was made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, administered by Arts Mid-Hudson.
Casa Comunitaria de Recursos thanks artist Argeo Mondragón, coordinator Lala Montoya, and everyone who participated and collaborated in this experience of art, expression, and community connection.