Non-profit community development corporation Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) has appointed Puerto Rican visual artist, designer and educator Tori DelValle as the organization's first Artist in Residence in over ten years, reflecting its dedication to fostering artistic growth and community engagement. The revival of this position marks a significant milestone in IBA's commitment to advancing its arts programming and comes as IBA prepares for the opening of its new cultural center La CASA: The Center for Arts, Self-determination, and Activism.
DelValle, 24, is an accomplished artist known for her innovative approach to community-engaged art. Her connection to IBA runs deep. She grew up in Villa Victoria—IBA's affordable housing community—and was a participant in IBA's Youth Development Program. Her grandfather worked as a maintenance worker for the community, and her family has lived in the same apartment on Aguadilla Street in Boston's Historic South End for generations.
"Joining IBA as Artist in Residence feels like coming full circle," said DelValle. "My ties to Villa Victoria are generational, and IBA's Youth Development Program played a crucial role in shaping my artistic journey. From my early days experimenting with Spoken Word Poetry to my studies at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, I've always strived to create art that connects with our community's shared experiences. It's an honor to now contribute to the rich culture of Boston's South End in this new capacity."
DelValle's multidisciplinary art explores the themes of identity, generational trauma, hidden truths, childhood, culture and heritage. In 2017, she was recognized with MassLEAP's Phyllis Wheatley Award for challenging injustice with work that reflects on the social and political history of the place she is from. In 2018, she represented Boston on the final stage at the international youth poetry slam festival, Brave New Voices, in Houston, Texas, and has performed at David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University. She is a graduate of New York University where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interactive Media Arts, and the School of Museum of Fine Arts where she received a certificate in Illustration.
As Artist in Residence, DelValle will engage IBA's affordable housing community and program participants in an exploration of the intergenerational legacy of Villa Victoria. Her work will take various forms, including educational workshops and seminars, listening sessions, historical research, and collaborative projects across different programs. Recognizing that the world is ever-changing, DelValle believes ongoing dialogue and flexibility around community values, dynamics and aspirations are essential to keeping the legacy relevant and adaptable to contemporary challenges.
The culmination of her residency will be a collaborative art installation with the Villa Victoria community, titled From Protests to Pride: Generations of Villa Victoria. This project will enhance Latino representation in Boston's art scene and provide creative outlets for residents and youth to explore identity, culture, social issues and well-being through art.
The addition of DelValle to IBA's team is part of a broader expansion of the organization's arts leadership.
JuanCarlos González assumed the full-time role of Arts Program Director this year after serving as interim director since 2020. González leads the Arts team in developing accessible community-building programming, expanding IBA's network of Latinx performers and artists and executing its flagship events, including Festival Betances which drew more than 3,000 attendees from across New England this summer. González, a graduate of the Instituto Tecnológico de Puerto Rico, brings a unique perspective to arts administration through his success as a photojournalist, storyteller, and event and landscape photographer.
Additionally, as of summer 2024 cuatro-player, singer, musician and Berklee graduate, Juan Nieves has joined IBA as the Arts Performance Manager. In this role he will collaborate with Gonzalez to strengthen the organization's artistic vision and execution capabilities. Nieves is one of the most important artists keeping the folkloric Puerto Rican musical tradition alive. His cuatro, the national instrument of Puerto Rico, has accompanied him to more than 15 countries around the world. His 25-year career includes three albums, singles and many collaborations.
"Tori's appointment, alongside JuanCarlos and Juan's roles, showcases the tremendous growth in IBA's long-standing commitment to promoting Latinx arts and culture," said Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of IBA. "As we prepare to open La CASA, these strategic additions to our team will be instrumental in elevating our arts programming to new heights. We are thrilled to welcome Tori DelValle back home as our Artist in Residence."
These appointments come at a time of significant growth for IBA. The organization has been steadily expanding in areas like affordable housing, education and financial empowerment. The enhanced focus on arts programming complements these efforts, recognizing the integral role of culture in community development and individual empowerment.
The expansion of IBA's arts leadership team emphasizes the promotion of Latinx arts and culture as a means of community building and heritage celebration. This initiative builds on IBA's legacy of using arts as a tool for social change and community empowerment. Even before its establishment in 1968, the residents that would eventually form Villa Victoria used the Arts as a mechanism of community organizing and cultural cohesiveness.