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New Mexico

Arts & Activism

A Custom School Program

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8 Days

Explore cultural hubs where art drives positive change. Collaborate with local artisans on murals, paintings, textiles, sculptures, and dance to address social justice issues like resource extraction, immigration, tourism, and cultural commodification.

A hands on experiment in resilience and creative expression.

This immersive New Mexico program delves into the region’s rich artistic heritage and natural splendor, fostering a commitment to cultural and community advocacy. Participants cultivate empathy and awareness through artistic expression, contributing to the ongoing narrative of Santa Fe, Española, and Taos. These vibrant hubs showcase the convergence of tradition and innovation, where art transcends aesthetics to become a powerful force for positive global change. Through collaboration with local artisans, students explore diverse social justice issues, including resource extraction, immigration, tourism, and the commodification of cultural identity. Our exploration of art as activism encompasses murals, paintings, textiles, sculptures, and dance.

Highlights & Outcomes

Hands-on artistic expression and apprenticeship

Engage in experiential activities, collaborative and individual projects to gain an embodied understanding of the power of the arts for healing and social change

Explore fresh water, soil, identity and food systems

Explore indigenous issues and meet with experts and artisans to learn about the history of culture, colonialism and activism in the area.

Indigenous culture, identity, and history

Explore the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture of the indigenous community.

Gain Global Competencies

Expand perspective, leadership skills, and personal confidence by navigating unfamiliar environments. Cultivate personal identity and values in a global context.

line drawing of United States

Our Journey

Our journey starts in Santa Fe, where the city’s vibrant arts and rich cultural heritage set the stage for exploring art as activism. Here, students engage with local artists and activists, addressing critical social issues like environmental justice and cultural preservation through various artistic expressions. The initial days also focus on building group rapport and discussing health and safety.

Next, we head to Española to collaborate with local instructors in workshops emphasizing dance and art for community connection and empowerment. Students reflect on art’s role in social change and cultural preservation.

Finally, we continue to Taos, a town known for its spiritual significance and stunning landscapes, offering a serene setting for reflection. Students visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and contemplate their transformative experiences. Inspired by Taos’ natural beauty, they are encouraged to carry the power of art and activism forward, fostering positive change in their communities.

View Itinerary

New Mexico

Sample Itinerary
The following itinerary is subject to change based on your goals and availability.

  • Days 1-4: Santa Fe and Albuqurque

    Arrive in Santa Fe and settle into accommodations. Head to the old town for orientation activities, scavenger hunt, and exploration in small groups. Evening group dinner and opening ceremony. Continue orientation activities. Introduce key themes and local community partners. Visit with local activists and artists. Ongoing discussions and workshops on indigeneity and social justice topics. Afternoon engagement with Three Sisters Collective, followed by Three Sisters-inspired dinner event. Continue workshops and projects with Three Sisters Collective.

  • Days 5: Española

    Departure for Española, where we collaborate with community partner Moving Arts Española for the day. Engage in projects around local arts, traditional forms of dance, low-rider culture, and more. 

  • Days 6-8: Taos

    Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo. Morning hike to the Rio Grande, hot springs and exploration of sacred water. Exploration of Taos. Transference activities to reflect on lessons learned in New Mexico and preparations for the return home. Final group dinner in Taos and closing ceremony. 

Custom School Programming

How We Do It

Each Custom School Program is tailored to meet your needs. Through a close, hands-on collaboration, we take the time to understand what matters most—and draw on decades of experience to create something unique, thoughtful, and authentic.

Together, we’ll design a program that’s cohesive, purposeful, and fully supported from start to finish—never a collection of tourist stops or disconnected activities. We’re ready when you are.

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Program Components

Our Program Components are the building blocks of your itinerary. During the customization process, these components can be dialed up or down to meet the goals and vision for the program. Each program component is thoughtfully planned to ensure that your students engage meaningfully and authentically connect with the places they visit.

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Social & Environmental Justice

Throughout the program participants will meet with local actors involved in addressing ongoing social and environmental justice topics such as mining, food systems, land use and development, and poverty.

Focus of Inquiry

This program is built around the theme of artistic expression and activism, exploring how cultural identity, and the arts are used as a vehicle for educating, and resisting ongoing attempts at cultural and environmental incursions on indigenous communities.

Learning Service

Opportunities abound for students to get involved in work projects on local native foods farms, work with local painters and artisans to create murals and other works of art, or connect with youth on projects related to cultural expression and identity.

Religious & Spiritual Traditions

Participants have a chance to learn about Native American spiritual beliefs, and the painful history of missionary work and evangelism in indigenous communities.

Independent Study Project

Students may choose to lean into specific themes and topics of religious and environmental justice, cultural expression, or artistic mediums as a way of delving deeper into these accessible themes and topics.

Language Study

Students will be exposed to some Spanish, and learn a few words in Navajo (Diné) language.

Trekking

Participants have the opportunity to explore the desert landscapes and farmlands of Northern New Mexico on day hikes.

Featured Instructors

Our instructors are more than guides—they’re mentors, educators, and trusted companions. Each member of our team is thoroughly vetted, background-checked, and trained in our unique pedagogy and risk management practices. With an average of over four years living abroad and fluency in local languages, our instructors serve as meaningful cross-cultural liaisons.

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