Xicanx Symposium: En Comunidad
August 22–23, 2026
“En Comunidad” refers to participating in community through the sharing of our experiences, knowledge and our collective knowledge. The Xicanx Symposium honors leaders, keepers of culture and tradition, and community members whose work and dedication fuel San Antonio’s vibrant creative landscape.
Join the Contemporary in a two-day weekend symposium of programs and events celebrating comunidad.
This event is free, but registration is required for each program.
The Xicanx Symposium is organized in conjunction to Xicanx Month, a city-wide celebration of xicanx art and culture.
Image Gallery
Day 1 Schedule
Art Activity | Mix media collage 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Explore the possibilities of collage as you combine images, textures, and artistic technique into your own artwork. Cut, remix and paste to discover new images through layering, composition, and experimentation.
The Four Horsemen | Drawing session with Rubio 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Drawing from observation is the core of art learning. By working with real life objects, artist build the foundation to develop technique and style. This drawing session will take inspiration from Rubio’s work The Four Horsemen as participants draw from a skeleton model. Participants will learn more about the work in display and receive drawing instruction by Rubio.
Xicanx food workshop and tasting 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Join us for a hands-on food workshop and tasting that explores the rich traditions, flavors, and stories of Xicanx culture. Through shared recipes and conversation, we’ll celebrate food as a connection to community, history, and identity.
Before the curtains open | Panel discussion 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Behind every performance presented on stage is a complex network of vision, leadership, fundraising, education and care. What does it take to sustain a performing arts organization as they preserve culture and build community all while cultivating developing artists?
Join leaders from performing arts organizations for a panel discussion about the realities of the work behind the performance, from securing funding and building audiences to supporting artists, and maintaining community partnerships. Together, they’ll explore the challenges, responsibilities, and rewards of sustaining this work for future generations.
Day 2 Schedule
Art Activity | Printmaking 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Discover the art of printmaking in this interactive workshop designed for beginners and experienced artists alike. Learn foundational techniques, create unique prints, and connect with others through the creative process
Herbalist Traditions workshop 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Learn the basics of herbalism through the plants and ecological knowledge of South Texas, with a focus on local medicinal traditions and place-based learning.
Xicanx food workshop and tasting 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Join us for a hands-on food workshop and tasting that explores the rich traditions, flavors, and stories of Xicanx culture. Through shared recipes and conversation, we’ll celebrate food as a connection to community, history, and identity.
From San Antonio | Panel discussion 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
What does it mean to be an artist from San Antonio? What is it like to grow up in the city, meet the people, and live experiences that shaped an artistic career?
As the sixth largest city in the United States, and with more than 20,000 individuals currently employed by the creative sector, San Antonio is rich with tradition, culture and creative spirit. Join us as panelist discuss how San Antonio has influenced their work and share stories of growing up artistically and as people.