Artist Edra Soto is set to debut a new sculpture from her “Graft” series on September 5 in Central Park. The sculpture, made from corten steel and terrazzo, is inspired by the wrought-iron fencing commonly found outside homes in Puerto Rico. Described as a “monument to working-class Puerto Rican communities,” the sculpture marks the beginning of “Historias,” a three-year initiative focusing on Latinx narratives in New York City. Led by the Lower East Side’s Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center, the project aims to showcase the cultural richness and diversity of the Latinx population in the city.
Soto, a San Juan native now residing in Chicago, emphasizes the importance of preserving and sharing Latinx histories. She believes that it is crucial for communities to document their own stories for future generations. Through her art and storytelling, Soto bridges the gap between her homeland and her current environment, creating connections that resonate with audiences.
The citywide “Historias” project, supported by a $2.5 million grant from the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, will feature a wide range of cultural programming, research initiatives, arts commissions, and oral history presentations. Collaborating with the LxNY Consortium and various arts and cultural organizations, the project aims to provide a more inclusive and intersectional view of New York’s Latinx population.
Despite efforts to increase Latinx representation in public arts and culture programming, funding inequities persist, according to Libertad Guerra, the executive director of the Clemente. Programs serving communities of color often face budget cuts and limited resources, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving equity in the arts sector.
The “Historias” initiative will kick off with an art-filled block party on Suffolk Street outside the Clemente at the end of September. The event will coincide with the 27th edition of the center’s Open Studios, showcasing the work of local artists. Additional programming for the fall season will be announced on the Clemente’s website next month, providing a comprehensive lineup of events and activities for the public to engage with.
Soto expresses her admiration for the Latinx community’s dedication to culture in New York City, describing it as a perpetual celebration. She believes that the multi-year platform dedicated to Latinx perspectives is a remarkable opportunity to amplify diverse voices and narratives in the city.
As “Historias” unfolds over the next three years, it promises to shed light on the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Latinx community in New York City. Through art, storytelling, and community engagement, the initiative aims to create a space for Latinx voices to be heard and celebrated.
