How we got started

The story goes …
Many moons ago an intergenerational group of activist researchers came together to produce two participatory research documentaries : Easy Targets & Red Flags. The projects focused on issues of education, immigration and racism. Through the process of doing research we met so many other young people who cared passionately about these issues and wanted to get more involved. The Mestizo Arts & Activism Collective (MAA) was born out of this interest and commitment.

The Mestizo Arts & Activism Collective was envisioned as a creative space of social justice for activist scholars of all ages to come together, make art, do participatory research, and engage in change in our community.

MAA was co –founded in 2007 by Matt Bradley (RIP 1970-2012), Caitlin Cahill & David Quijada in partnership with the Mestizo Institute for Culture & Arts. Artist Ruby Chacón was our founding artist in residence. Since then MAA has grown in leaps & bounds under the leadership of young people who are committed to each other and to sustaining this creative space of justice.

Co-Founders:
Matt Bradley (RIP 1970-2012)
Caitlin Cahill
David Quijada

Thank You For Your Support
The Mestizo Arts & Activism Collective has been generously supported by many funders over the years who have made a major difference in our capacity to exercise our “right to research,” to address urgent issues in our community, and to create a vital space for learning, justice, community engagement, and public scholarship. Your support goes a long way towards making our work possible. Thank you.

Our key partners include University Neighborhood Partners, University of Utah and the Honors College, University of Utah. We are especially grateful to Martha Bradley and Rosemarie Hunter for their love, vision, ongoing support, and commitment to our work. Mil gracias!

Co-founders Dr. David Quijada, Dr. Caitlin Cahill, and the late Dr. Matt Bradley