Allison Arteaga '21, a fine arts major and a Latina/o Studies minor, was awarded the highly competitive Create Change Fellowship through The Laundromat Project. The project champions the voices, cultures, imaginations, knowledge, and leadership of people of color (POC). While supporting public art projects tackling issues like gentrification, food injustice, climate change, and community safety, the project advances artists and neighbors as change agents in their own communities.
Born in Lima, Peru, Allison landed in Florida when she was 6 to begin life anew with her two siblings. Through books and art, she was able to make sense of her social conditions and be inspired by what was and what will be. Now she reshapes herself and others through artworks that are meant for the many, not the few.
At Cornell, you'll find Allison working with communities both on an off campus to address people's liberation, through issues of immigration and workers' rights. She plans to continue her journey as an engaged leader by studying her communities and becoming an artist-organizer near her new home in northern New Jersey. Most recently, she participated in a service trip to Tijuana to assist asylum seekers in obtaining legal assistance. Keep on shining bright, Allison!
"Allison is an accomplished visual artist and community activist who has lent her talent and passions to promoting equity and justice, both through her participation in Cornell's Dream Team as well as in the Ithaca community." Professor Ananda Cohen-Aponte, History of Art/Latina/o Studies teaching faculty, Cornell University.
