Criticism is sometimes misunderstood as inherently negative—a writer picking apart their subject. But the work of considered criticism is not to tear down, but to propel forward. The critical dialogue surrounding creative work plays a powerful role in advancing artistic development. An art community cannot thrive as a sustainable, vibrant ecosystem without discourse that reflects on, expands on, and asks questions about the art that the community produces.
In this context, we are excited to present Critical Commons 2024: Santa Fe, the fourth iteration of Southwest Contemporary’s annual initiative to cultivate creative and critical discourse, on and off the page.
This year’s event series, sponsored by the City of Santa Fe Arts and Culture Department, spans networking, professional development, and community engagement opportunities over several weeks:
Critical Commons Art-Industry Speed Networking
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
doors open 6 pm | event begins 6:30 pm
Santa Fe Community Convention Center Courtyard
We all know the vibe: you walk around at a gallery opening, only chatting with the people you already know and wondering, who are all of these other people? Well, come to Speed Networking, make new connections within the art community at this lightning-fast event, and you’ll be seeing more familiar faces around town.
If you’ve never speed-networked before, it’ll go something like this: you’ll have five minutes of one-on-one conversation, and we’ll rotate seats twelve times, so you’ll walk away with twelve new connections. We promise big fun—and refreshments!
This event is limited to 100 participants.
Free with registration.
Critical Commons Panel Discussion
Friday, September 20, 2024
doors open 5 pm | event begins 5:30 pm
Santa Fe Community Convention Center
We’ve invited a panel of art industry professionals, including Southwest Contemporary Visiting Critic Darren Jones, to engage in a lively discussion about why art criticism is vital to the arts ecosystem. We’ll dig into questions about criticism as a tool for advancing creative communities, the challenges of publishing criticism in regional art markets like Santa Fe, and explore how we can create criticism that is inclusive, accessible, and written from diverse perspectives.
Meet our panelist line-up:
SWC Visiting Critic Darren Jones, writer and critic, based in New York and Florida
Jaime Herrell (Enrolled Cherokee Nation/European), curator, based in Marfa and Santa Fe
Edgar Picazo Merino, writer, artist, and organizer, based in Ciudad Juárez and El Paso
Nancy Zastudil, writer, editor, and curator, based in Albuquerque
This event is limited to 100 participants.
Free with registration.
Critical Commons Art Writing Workshop | Application Required
September 21, 28, and October 5
Santa Fe Community Gallery + Santa Fe Railyard District
In a Southwest Contemporary first, we are beyond thrilled to add an art writing workshop to this year’s Critical Commons, fulfilling a long-held dream of offering training to aspiring arts writers and arts professionals. Over the course of three weekends, participants will meet to discuss contemporary art, further our understanding of critical arts writing, and practice our writing craft.
With professional development in mind, the workshop will be tailored to aspiring and early-career writers/critics and early-career arts professionals looking to develop their skills in writing clearly and accessibly.
Through hands-on instruction and collaborative discussions, artists, curators, writers, and arts workers alike will gain essential tools, skills, and best practices for crafting a considered exhibition review. Additionally, the workshop cohort will have plenty of time to connect as peers and colleagues, provide each other with feedback, and spend time together as critical thinkers.
Due to the limited capacity (25 people) for this free workshop, potential participants are asked to submit a simple application to express their interest.
Applications are due August 30, 11:59 pm MDT.
Twenty-five people will be notified of their acceptance by September 6, 2024.
Learn More and Apply
Critical Commons Santa Fe is Sponsored by the City of Santa Fe Arts and Culture Department
