About the Ortiz Center
Mission
The mission of the Ortiz Center is to create enduring partnerships and collaborations that address community-driven priorities through public-facing anthropology and humanities initiatives.
The center is named for the late Alfonso Ortiz, UNM anthropology professor, MacArthur fellow, and native of San Juan Pueblo. He believed anthropology is a mirror for humanity, and that the barriers between the university and world communities must be eliminated.
Goals and Objectives
- To promote respect and appreciation for intercultural communication, cultural heritage, and the environment.
- To foster a new approach in anthropology that involves individuals and communities in collaboration.
- To encourage new forms of intercultural expression, including dance, art, visual media, exhibitions, and performances.
- To empower local communities in New Mexico and throughout the world to share their knowledge on their own terms.
What We Do
Community Scholars
Support for projects initiated by community scholars as they teach, learn, and engage in public dialogue with faculty, students, and the public
Co-curated Exhibits
Artists and cultural specialists from traditional communities work with museum curators to interpret existing collections, gather and document new collections, and develop new exhibitions and public programs
Internships and Fellowships
UNM students and diverse community members work together to develop community inspired projects in service learning, public lectures, and symposia
Programs for New Mexico Families
Family activities for people of all ages and abilities are free of charge to the public
Music, Dance, Film, and Cultural Performances
Presentations given by traditional community members for all to enjoy
The Ortiz Gathering Space
Touch screen presentations feature Ortiz programs and exhibitions past and present
