Workshop: COLLABORATION
On January 12th, for the exhibition closing of The Workers’ Studio: El Co-op, the New New Yorkers and visitors were invited to participate in a conversation and a workshop. Throughout the course of this sunny winter day, families and adults dropped by our activity and tour.
I was able to activate El Coop Mobile with visitors, families and friends. I proceeded to lead a tour in both Spanish and English, prioritizing asking one question in particular- how do we collaborate at home? At school? In our community? We mapped out how our personal stories fit with the cooperative values including: democracy, sustainability, justice, equality, equity, and solidarity.
My favorite examples came from a few of our youngest participants! One young boy explained how at school it is important for everyone to line up so that everyone can have a chance to participate. Another highlight was recycling and using reusable water bottles, exemplified by a little girl who showed me her water bottle. It is my hope that we consider the value of our work and empower our own community by seeing examples and being able to recognize them. The activation of El Coop Mobile and the invigorating examples of the Workers’ Studio: El Co-op were a starting point for reflections on the work we all do with and for each other. The workshop took form as kids explained the responsibilities they have with their families, from cleaning their room to going to school. They also recognized the work of the adults, such as cooking and cleaning.
I shared my own story, of collaborative networking especially when we arrived to the US, when it was just my mother, uncle and I living in a basement outside of Chicago. The three of us shared one room, with another family and friends. There was always someone sleeping, working, cooking, and someone to play with. I remember the neighborhood daycare —where at the break of day, my mom dropped me off at the basement next door. A constant rotation of kids came through to the most affordable, convenient, and safe option for the kids in our community.
Understanding the value and labor of the roles that are played out, from childcare to cooking, haircuts, and English lessons, helps us realize the ways in which families look after each other. The examples that were shared showed a great focus on collective care and need, resulting in a stronger sense of responsibility for each other as we all pursue a livelihood in the US.
Exhibition:
The Workers’ Studio: El Co-op is a series of collaborative art projects that use art as a tool for worker-led organizing. It was on view at the museum’s Community Partnership Gallery from November 10– January 12, 2019.
The Workers’ Studio is nomadic, and functions mostly in Day Laborers’ Worker Centers as a weekly encounter facilitated by the artist Sol Aramendi. Workers use the studio to create art projects that support their organizing and advocacy. This exhibition features a series of photographs, writing and works created by the participants.
Curator/ Educator:
Eva Mayhabal Davis collaborates with artists and creatives in the production of exhibitions, texts, and events. Her personal immigrant narrative drives her work in advocacy to advance equity and social justice values through the arts and culture. Born in Mexico, raised in the United States, and studied art history at the University of Washington.
Text by Eva Mayhabal Davis.
Photos by : Elsi Pena and Guido Garaycochea
