Happy New Year!
When I launched this column a year ago, it was an opportunity to look back through the history of Cornerstones and give you a moment to learn or reminisce as I read up on the organization. This year, I am broadening the scope of my column to provide more information about what we are doing today. I will continue to publish columns about our history - there are still a lot of fascinating stories to share - but I want to highlight some of the new initiatives that the Cornerstones team is working on now.
One of the pillars of Cornerstones' mission is supporting individuals and communities continuing the architectural traditions of the Southwest. Educational and professional development opportunities are among the ways that we do this. Right now, with funding from the Getty Foundation and the Chamiza Foundation, we are providing scholarships to Terra 2022, the 13th World Congress on Earthen Architectural Heritage, the largest international gathering of earthen building practitioners and professionals. I was delighted that the Getty Conservation Institute approached us last year to partner with them on this scholarship.
The scholarship is for professionals and students from the 19 Native American pueblos and tribes in New Mexico, tribes and pueblos from Southwestern states and Northern Mexico, to attend the Terra. It is important not only that those communities are included in further skill-sharing around earthen architectural practices, but also that their knowledge, experience, and traditions are highlighted to other parts of the professional community.
Terra 2022 will take place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 7-10, 2022, as a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual options. Hundreds of specialists in the fields of conservation, anthropology, archaeology, architecture and engineering, scientific research, site management, and sustainable development of earthen architectural heritage will attend. Workshops, presentations, posters, and digital media will illuminate current research and teach best practices in conserving earthen heritage across the world. Up to 600 attendants are expected to participate either in-person or virtually.
We are accepting applications now. The scholarship will substantially or fully cover attendance, accommodation, and travel costs to Santa Fe to attend Terra 2022.
The full scholarship application and more information is available here: https://www.cstones.org/terra-2022 If you know someone who might want to apply, please forward this letter to them or share this link.
Above Splash Photo of Taos Pueblo by Tracey Enright.