The Somos Family M ural Project is currently accepting proposals for a mural to be painted somewhere on or near 16 Street in Phoenix,

Arizona.
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The Somos Family projects mission is to open a dialogue with the community about what it means to be queer and Mexican/Chicano/Latino in Phoenix. Familia, understood broadly in all the facets of its meaning family of origin, family of choice, family as a codeword for queer folks, etc. Somos Family is a positive affirmation of our presence (aqu estamos) and our future (no nos vamos) in Phoenix. Somos Family aims to recognize our history through references to antepasados and gay icons while celebrating our resilience and activisms. The mural project grows out of an ethnographic study of language culture & identity among individuals who identify as LGBTQ and Mexican, Chicano or Latino in Phoenix. Themes that emerged from the studys conversations include: families: different kinds of families, families of birth, chosen families, being disowned, being accepted, generations coming out: affirming an identity that is both queer and Latina/o, seeking support from sister, brothers, aunts, grandmothers, finding other queer relatives maintaining silence: creating private spaces and places/putting family ties above individual identities, unspoken or tacit, acceptance, respect violence: physical danger, violent rejections, internal and external scars & wounds, rebellion, survival & growth, resistance & change faith: traditions, childhood, shame, strength, judgment, skills cultures: rituals, food, language, family, faith, preserving culture, but challenging homophobia & intolerance communities: borders and intersections, connections, finding community, welcoming spaces, activism, unity, division, discrimination, (r)evolution

ELIGIBILITY: This call is open to all artists. Artists who identify as queer and Mexican, Chicano or Latino are particularly encouraged. DEADLINE: Submissions must be received by Feb. 15, 2013 (5 pm) at wearefamiliaPHX@gmail.com; rough sketches are okay, but more detail is great, too. SELECTION CRITERIA: Selections will be reviewed and discussed by a committee comprised of research participants, community members and a representative from the Calle 16 Mural Project. - originality/artistic merit - appropriateness of content to the identified theme(s) - feasibility for a community mural project PROJECT TIMELINE: - RFP Feb. 2013 - selection Mar. 2013, identification of site/permission Mar. 2013 - collaboration/integration/site specific (re)design Apr. 2013 - painting Apr./May 2013

The research is funded by the National Science Foundations Cultural Anthropology Program, award #BCS1122948.