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Experience the richness of Colombia through the lens of SFAI alumni artists, Leonardo Rúa and Natalie Marx. Join SFAI Executive Director Jamie Blosser as we unpack the complex history and contemporary realities of Colombia, with a focus on the rich tapestry of Afro-Colombian art and culture.

Your travel experience will begin in Bogotá, with a macro perspective of Colombian history and artistic responses that address the historical roots of colonization and its impact on today’s social and political systems. Travel to the beautiful port town of Cartagena and nearby San Basilio de Palenque, the Americas’ first free black African town, to immerse yourself in the country’s sounds, rhythm, and gastronomic delights!

Trip Dates

Saturday, Jan 16 – Sunday, Jan 24, 2021

REGISTRATION DETAILS TBA

Trip Highlights

Your 7-day experience will include:

  • Intimate conversations with artists, journalists, and scholars to hear shared insights and histories of resistance, mobility, and struggles – including Teresita Goyeneche, an Interamerican Press Society Award Finalist;
  • Guided visits within important national cultural institutions, such as the Center for Memory, Peace and Reconciliation and the Museo del Oro (Museum of Gold);
  • Meeting with artist groups such as the Colectivo Aguaturbia about their collective imaginary for the indigenous and Afro peoples;
  • Experiencing the vibrant street life, historic architecture, and Afro-Colombian rhythms of Cartagena through urban walks, traditional food, and cultural experiences such as Tambores de Cabildo; and
  • Visiting San Basilio de Palenque, the Americas first free black African town, and learning about how dance and music help educate Palenqueros to cultivate pride in the community’s African roots.

About the Artists

Natalie Marx

Natalie Marx, SFAI 2018/19 Truth & Reconciliation Resident, was born Natalie Romero Gonzalez in Barranquilla, Colombia. Natalie is a media and performance artist, documentary filmmaker and cultural producer based in the New York City Area. She has worked collaboratively in a variety of interdisciplinary projects in the United States, Europe and Latin America. Marx’s earlier film addressed the socio-political conflict and the humanitarian crisis of the refugees in Colombia which was supported by the UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture.

Leonardo Rúa

Leonardo Rúa, SFAI 2018/19 Truth & Reconciliation Resident, is a filmmaker from Bogotá who has collaborated with numerous organizations that make up the Movimiento Social Afrocolombiano (Afro-Colombian Social Movement). Rua is a member of the Aguaturbia Collective.