Who we are
Meztli Projects
We were founded with the intent to address the severe lack of artistic opportunities for Native and Indigenous Artists as-well-as systems-impacted youth living and creating in Los Angeles County (Tovaangar). This work takes shape in several forms such as for-hire opportunities, advocating for truly equitable resources such as but not limited to funding and culturally authentic (not just relevant) programming, and training future and emerging cultural workers.
// Find out more.
Schedule of Events
Workshops
& Programs
Upcoming Fall 2024 Workshops & Events
• Refractions: Contemporary Indigenous Art Exhibition at Annenberg Community Beach House Santa Monica
• Tobacco Embers at Ave 50 Studio
• Cultural Worker Fellowship Launch
• East LA Community Action for Peace Workshops
• New Workshops
For a complete list of events please check out our calendar.
Cultural Worker Fellowship Launch: click image to learn more
photo by CJ Calica
photo by CJ Calica
photo by CJ Calica
photo by CJ Calica
DRUM MAKING WORKSHOP: FACILITATED BY RAFA RODRIGUEZ
LIVE SCREEN-PRINTING WORKSHOPS & POP-UPS
WORKSHOPS/CONVERSATIONS ON AUTHENTIC HISTORIES OF PLACE
Knowledge SHARING
PARTICIPANTS
Change-makers
& Artists
Many organizations focused on art and social justice say they’re driven by this work and operate to achieve “justice,” but we firmly believe that there’s a huge difference in solely presenting and creating work that touches on social issues, and doing that work authentically and respectfully, with those most impacted at the center. Very few organizations do the latter. For us, this means critically moving as a whole (artists, administrators, participants, etc.) towards building an analysis that is centered on those most affected and then clearly articulating a position that roots this work. Our team is composed of individuals doing this work in a respectful, reciprocal and non-extractive method. See the full list here.
Location (APACHIAGNA, TONGVA LANDS)
East Los Angeles
Our work is rooted in the community of East LA encompassing the communities of Unincorporated East Los Angeles, City Terrace, Monterey Park, Commerce, and Montebello, recognizing that these boundaries are porous and that individuals displaced from these communities still maintain ties and receive services in this area. Our goal is to support these Indigenous individuals with quality programming that is authentic and relevant to their experience.
“The work being done by Meztli Projects to build programming that aims to cater and build connections & networks for targeted youth is very necessary. After witnessing how the justice system is commonly used as the only solution (while still creating more harm), I recognize the need for access to empowering practices in underserved communities such as mine.
- Gabby Claro ”
