A Promise Not to Forget: Día de los Muertos 2016 Exhibition

Now in its 17th year, the annual Day of the Dead exhibition at SOMArts Cultural Center offers one of the most internationally diverse Día de los Muertos celebrations in the United States. Merging traditional Mexican altars with contemporary art installations, the exhibition presents a superabundant array of perspectives remembering, honoring, and celebrating the dead. Inspired by cherished relationships, current events, and personal and collective histories, more than 25 altars by over 50 participating Día de los Muertos artists build a dense environment of creativity that creates space for meaningful reflection and community engagement.

Chosen by father and son curators René & Rio Yañez, this year’s theme, A Promise Not to Forget is a call to remember our ancestors and honor especially those whose lives have been unnecessarily lost due to violence.

The exhibition unveiling, Friday, October 7, 6–9pm, $12–15 sliding scale admission, features music by Puerto Rican funk, rock and reggae band Manicato, comedy and spoken word by Baruch Porras-Hernandez, and other special guests. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged.