#1322: “Voces”: Amplifying Representation of Latina/x Youth Identities, Narratives, Knoweldge, and Aesthetics in Art Museum Exhibitions

“Latina/x Voces: Comunidad, Creaciones, y Casa” is a celebration of a multi-year Participatory Design Research project aimed at amplifying the presence of Latina/x youth in museums through co-creation of exhibitions. This exhibition includes selected artworks created by Latina/x youth during after-school programs and a summer camp between 2021-2025. These artworks were displayed previously at the Krannert Art Museum in Champaign, IL. Each year, the artists identified themes that represented their collective works. The “Comunidad” exhibition showcased languages, community spaces, and cultural foods. The “Creaciones” exhibition explored the intersection of Latina/x and youth cultures. Finally, the “Casa” exhibition examined what it means to gather at home for formal and informal occasions. In addition to increasing authentic representation of Latina/x youth in museums, this project has contributed to research about multilingual and multicultural literacy practices, participatory methodologies, and visitors’ appreciation for and sense of belonging in exhibitions designed by marginalized groups.