On Saturday, October 28, 2023, the School of Arts and Culture (SOAC) at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza) will host its seventh annual Avenida de Altares (Avenue of the Altars) celebrating Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The main feature of this event is a curated altar walk starting at the intersection of Alum Rock Avenue between King Road and extending towards the entrance of Highway 101. Community members and out-of-town visitors alike can immerse in this massive art installation alongside a curated art show in the Plaza gallery, cultural performances, traditional food, and a massive dance party inside La Plaza.
As in previous years, La Plaza is looking to secure artists and artist teams to build beautiful and meaningful altars for Avenida de Altares. Artists will need to commit to designing and installing an altar that suits the space, as some altars will be chosen for month-long display indoors, and some altars will be chosen for single-day display outdoors on Alum Rock Avenue. In totality, there will be roughly 30 Altares on display!
Artists have the creative freedom to present different themes stemming from traditional or contemporary perspectives. Altars expressing social and political views, or highlighting specific places and eras of cultural renaissance, are welcomed but must be appropriate for families. No open flames or alcoholic beverages are allowed, whether the altar is indoors or outdoors.
Theater Lobby Altar Installation
Artists who install altars for the Lobby will have their work on public view from October 9 through November 1, 2023. These altars will be the highlight of indoor engagement during Avenida de Altares, and will be available for viewing during community events and set hours on weekday evenings and weekends. They must be installed between October 2-8 and broken down on November 2. Artists creating altars for the lobby will be paid a flat honorarium of $500.
Alum Rock Avenue Altar Installation
Artists who install altars for Alum Rock Avenue will have their work on public view on October 28. These altars will be located on the sidewalk and integrated with some business storefronts. These altars will be installed the morning of October 28, remain through the duration of the event, and be broken down the same night. Artists creating altars on the avenue will be paid a flat honorarium of $380 and may be invited to vend during Avenida De Altares.
To participate, artists must submit the following by 11:59pm on Tuesday, August 29:
- A sketch of their altar design labeling items and elements to be featured in the altar
- A brief elaboration on the themes of their altar design, and any interactive activities that will be included
- A signed agreement (this form) confirming they will adhere to the requirements for a pre-installation site visit and deadlines for altar installation and altar breakdowns
- A bio (4-6 sentences) and a headshot (1-2 photos)
The selected artists will receive an honorarium. ($500 for lobby altars and $380 for avenue altars). Congratulations in advance to the selected artists!Sketches, elaborations, bios, and headshots may be sent via email to esther@schoolofartsandculture.org and rojana@schoolofartsandculture.org. They may also be dropped off at the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza.
Selected artists will be notified by Thursday, September 7 with details on the placement of their altar.
