Providence Commemoration Lab
Since last summer, I've been part of the Providence Commemoration Lab artist cohort. I'm one of the artists who has been tasked with researching and reimagining the former Columbus Square in the southside of Providence, neighborhood of Elmwood. This little plaza has a significant history in our local community, with an empty pedestal where the former Christopher Columbus statue used to be. Last summer, as part of the cultural interventions on this site, we held a land blessing with Black and Indigenous culture bearers of various traditions who have a connection to this space and have trajectories of community work that heal our communities and the harms of colonialism. Studio Loba also held a 'Culture Jam for Economic Justice' with SISTAFire members to use poetry and theatre to commemorate stories that build economic justice for our communities.
This year, Studio Loba will hold three events to continue using storytelling as commemoration alongside communities in the area. The first one is Museo de las Ancestras, a collaboration with Arte Latino New England on Sat Sep 27, from 1-4pm. And a closing ritual gathering and performance to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on Sun, Oct 12, 1-4pm.
Don't miss these meaningful activations of public space that reimagine commemoration! Join us for collective joy, community stories, and vibrant artistry. Together, we will create new community memories that will shape our collective futures.
Follow the Providence Commemoration Lab for upcoming events by the cohort of artists activating three public sites in Providence.
Upcoming
[SPANISH]
Estatuas vivientes de Ancestras del pasado y futuro cobran vida en la antigua Plaza Colón en el vecindario de Elmwood. Este evento teatral comunitario invita al público a sumergirse en una experiencia de realismo mágico para reconocer las contribuciones de mujeres célebres a través del tiempo. Se llevará a cabo en el barrio de Elmwood, en Providence. Acompáñenos a disfrutar de un encuentro comunitario con vibrantes actuaciones, educación pública, poesía y comida, para conmemorar a nuestras Ancestras. Esta producción de teatro al aire libre es una colaboración entre Arte Latino New England, Studio Loba (Shey Rivera Rios) y Sussy Santana, junto a varios artistas locales, como parte del Laboratorio de Conmemoración de Providence.
[ENG]
Living statues of important and celebrated women in history come alive at the former Columbus Square. This community performance invites neighbors and audiences to be immersed in a magical realism intervention upon the former Columbus Square, to recognize the contributions of women across time. It takes place in the Elmwood neighborhood, on the Southside of Providence. Join us for vibrant performances, community gathering, public education, and poetry. This event is a collaboration between Arte Latino New England, Studio Loba (Shey Rivera Rios), and Sussy Santana, alongside various local artists, as part of Providence Commemoration Lab.
Performers:
Museum Guide > Saúl Ramos Espola
Cacique Yuisa > Violeta Cruz del Valle
Fefita la Grande > Sussy Santana
Frida Kahlo > Shey Rivera Ríos
Celia Cruz > Cheniell Ruiz
Sor Juana Ines > Varsobia Acosta
Felisa Rincón de Gautier > Maritza Martell
Josephine Baker > Shaffany Terrell
Graciela Iturbide > Crystal Angeles
Arte Latino New England (2025) planning for MUSEO DE LAS ANCESTRAS, 2025.
