INTERCULTURAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
  • The ILI Vision
  • ILI Year
  • APPLY
  • Fellows
    • Current Fellows
    • Past Fellows
  • Voices
    • ILI Zines
  • Connect
Picture

ILI Zines Now Online!

9/30/2020

 
Picture
Suzy González and César Ramos - ILI Fellows from Year 2 - teamed up to lead the creation of zines from each of the three ILI on-site intensives. With the creativity and perspective of contributing Fellows, these zines give a different artistic view of the experience.  In a recent interview, Suzy told us more about this collaborative project.
ILI Zines
What was the inspiration for the ILI Zines project?
César Ramos and I are both involved in the zine scene, particularly within (but not limited to) Latinx communities. We recognized the need to reflect over all of the things that were happening in the ILI experience, and as zine editors and those who enjoy providing a platform for voices, we saw it as an opportunity to create a series of publications. I kept a journal throughout my ILI experience, and it was incredibly helpful for me to be able to voice everything that was going on. It seemed right to make space for everyone to have the chance to externally reflect as well.
How did you see interculturality demonstrated in this project or the Zines themselves?
There’s something great about seeing how each individual got something different out of the convenings. I think it goes without saying that they strongly impacted each of us, but that of course varied for each person depending on our experiences, background, and our journey of growth that came with ILI. The zines became a space to give subjective perspective on one’s own culture or new understandings of another culture and the fact that we have so many shared experiences.

"There can be such a strength in vulnerability and opening up to express one’s self. . ."

What was the most surprising or meaningful thing you learned by doing this project?
There can be such a strength in vulnerability and opening up to express one’s self, whether it’s through poetry or any other means. I’m inspired by the free expression of the contributing fellows. Something that stands out is that in the last zine, we see a couple of the fellows dedicating their poetry to other fellows. What a beautiful gesture to have been so moved by the actions or words of someone to immediately want to make art about it!
How does this project connect to your own understanding of yourself as a leader?
I love being a solo studio artist, but I have this need to also lift up others in community–whether it’s making contributor-based zines or curating exhibits. Sometimes we need to put our egos on hold and create dialogue. I also find importance in sharing opportunity with artists who are underrepresented or might just need one opportunity to realize their own powerful artistry. We so often don’t see ourselves represented in the arts. So you realize if you don’t organize it, no one else will, and I think that is often the driving force for curators of color–refilling the gaps where we’ve been erased, or saying we exist and we’re making amazing art!
Is there anything else that you'd like people to know as they experience the Zines from each ILI intensive?
​Know that this is just a glimpse into the ILI experience. Speaking for myself, ILI was an emotional rollercoaster, and I think there are a lot of experiences and lessons that may not be mentioned. It was an option to contribute to the zine series, and I really believe in the power of choice. But do know that a lot of amazing creators and organizer are not represented, so I urge you to look into the work of all ILI alum and support them as you’re able. <3
ILI Zines

Comments are closed.

    Categories

    All
    Arts & Culture
    Feature
    Fellow Reflections
    Fellows In The Field
    ILI Alumni
    ILI Hawaii
    ILI Lakota
    ILI San Antonio
    In The News
    Social Justice

    Archives

    December 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    May 2018
    September 2017
    May 2017

    Get the Qtrly E-Journal
    Follow @weareili

    Categories

    All
    Arts & Culture
    Feature
    Fellow Reflections
    Fellows In The Field
    ILI Alumni
    ILI Hawaii
    ILI Lakota
    ILI San Antonio
    In The News
    Social Justice

    Archives

    December 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    May 2018
    September 2017
    May 2017

Picture
Copyright © 2019
​Privacy Policy

A COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
with Funding Support from:
Picture
Design & Editorial Content: Social Impact Studios / Art: Brice Media / Photos: ​Melisa Cardona, Carlton Turner, Luis M. Garza & Shannon Burnette
  • Home
  • The ILI Vision
  • ILI Year
  • APPLY
  • Fellows
    • Current Fellows
    • Past Fellows
  • Voices
    • ILI Zines
  • Connect