Project Vision
Pilsen Latina Legacies is a public art and history initiative designed to commemorate the vibrant culture and history of the Pilsen neighborhood through a series of intergenerational community engagement workshops. These workshops foster discussions around the concept of monuments, encouraging participants to reimagine and design potential monuments through drawing, writing, and building exercises. The ideas generated from these workshops are instrumental in conceptualizing a physical monument that embodies the community's vision.
Rooted in the dynamic history of a neighborhood that has continually resisted gentrification and the displacement of Latinx families and individuals, the Pilsen Latina Legacies project represents a non-traditional monument. It envisions a communal space that merges physical and public art interventions with public events, creating a place for reflection and gathering. Our aspiration is for this project to become a permanent fixture in the Pilsen community, serving as a testament to its resilience and vibrant culture.
All participants in each community engagement workshop were asked to help create a monument that aligns with these thoughtful parameters:
Gathering Space: Envision a place that isn't just about passing through but about staying, sharing, and experiencing together.
Non-Traditional: Break the mold with innovative designs like rotating murals, sound, gardens, or light displays.
Activates Space: Ensure the monument encourages participation, evolving with community involvement.
Honors Women: Instead of honoring a single individual, imagine a monument that weaves together the diverse narratives of many women.
Family-Friendly: Create a welcoming atmosphere for families, providing interactive and educational elements for children, and comfortable, accessible spaces for older adults.
Inclusive: Ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, spaces that respect and welcome LGBTQ+ individuals, and areas that can be used by street vendors and local artisans, reflecting the community's vibrancy.
Stewardship: Plan for the monument’s future, considering how it will be maintained and continue to engage the community over the next century. This could involve sustainable design, materials that age well, and a community stewardship program.