Tuesday, March 24th at 5pm at the Hessel Museum of Art at Bard College (CCS Bard Classroom 102)—as part of a series co-presented by Forge Project and CCS Bard—Marcel Pardo Ariza and Ambrose Trataris, co-founders of Art Handlxrs*, will explore the future of art handling and the importance of care, coalition building, and diversity in the art world.
Art Handlxrs* is a group dedicated to the support and growth of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, queer, transgender and gender nonconforming people in the professional arts industry as art handlxrs, technicians, fabricators, and industry support roles. We connect communities through gatherings, offer technical workshops, connect individuals with local employment opportunities, and strengthen systems within organizations to provide a safer and welcoming work environment for everyone.
Being an art handlxr is based on the act of caring, for an artwork, the artist’s intention, the needs of the institution, the upkeep of the space, and the experience of an audience. Why is this intentional care not an integral part of our labor practices? How can we create work environments that foster inclusivity and access to work for folx from a diverse range of experiences?
Marcel Pardo Ariza is a co-founder of Art Handlxrs* leading program development and artistic direction. Ariza is a trans visual artist, curator, and art worker who explores the relationship of representation, intergenerational kinship, and queerness through constructed photographs, site-specific installations, and public programming. Their work is invested in creating long-term interdisciplinary collaborations and opportunities that are non-hierarchical, decentralized, and equitable. Ariza is currently an Assistant Professor of Photography at California College of the Arts. They serve on the board of El/La Para Trans Latinas and have been a member of The Transgender District’s Community Advisory.
Ambrose Trataris is a co-founder of Art Handlxrs* leading fundraising and organizational development. Trataris is a trans conceptual artist, technologist, and Drag performer based in the Bay Area. Through sculpture, installation, and performance, he gives form to semiotic and social boundaries meant to govern our identity, sense of worth, and communal relations. Through his work, he is dedicated to creating lasting changes for racial, social, and labor equity in partnership with arts organizations. Trataris is co-founder of R/SF projects (2016-2019) and the founder of Unrestricted Funds. They serve as Vice President on the board of Oaklash and currently work as Manager of Grants and Donor Relations at the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University.
This event is part of ongoing programming co-presented by Forge Project and CCS Bard and is organized by Candice Hopkins (Carcross/Tagish First Nation), Executive Director & Chief Curator, Forge Project, and Fellow in Indigenous Art History and Curatorial Studies, CCS Bard.
Forge Project Talks
Forge Project Talks are part of a set of broader initiatives at Bard College that seek to place Native American and Indigenous Studies at the heart of curricular innovation, which includes programming organized by the Center for Indigenous Studies and the Rethinking Place initiative.
These programs are made possible by the Forge Endowed Fund for Indigenous Studies at Bard College, generously supported by the Gochman Family Foundation along with George Soros and the Open Society Foundations.
Accessibility for Public Programs
Recordings
This program will be live-streamed on @Forgeprojectny. All CCS Bard programs are recorded through audio recordings that reside in the CCS Bard Library & Archives and online here. To inquire about an audio recording, please contact CCSVisits@bard.edu.
American Sign Language Interpretation
ASL-English interpretation is available for public programs upon request with two weeks advance notice. To place a request, please contact CCSVisits@bard.edu. Relay and voice calls welcome.
Verbal Description
Verbal description is available for public programs upon request with two weeks advance notice. To place a request, please contact CCSVisits@bard.edu. Relay and voice calls welcome.
Captioning
When public programs are held over Zoom, live transcription is available.