La Milpa: SANCTUARY FOR THE ARTS
A space of wonder, creative purpose, revitalization and care
After more than twenty-seven years of dedication, DANCE MONKS (1999-present) is building a home for its local cultural programs and international artist residencies. This sanctuary for the arts will be located at the foot of the Picacho mountains in the farming village of Estancia de Canal in Guanajuato, Mexico—on a land that sings of milpas, Otomi medicine, and ancestral memory. Rooted in collaboration with local wisdom keepers, the project includes over 38 acres, part of which will be dedicated to a private Nature Reserve of native plant restoration and wildlife protection.
In a world in need of places to gather, repair, and reimagine relationships across borders, this space will offer a sanctuary to reconnect with our more-than-human selves, one another, and the land. As a bicultural dance company, DANCE MONKS’ work grows from community-responsive listening. After more than two decades of collaboration—and raised on both sides of la frontera—Founders, Rodrigo Esteva and Mirah Moriarty, bring unique perspectives on creating bridges of care through interdisciplinary practice.
This new cultural space will host DANCE MONKS’ programs and curated events, including:
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A protected Nature Reserve with WALKING PATHS and areas for meditation
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Local and international interdisciplinary ARTIST RESIDENCIES, performances, workshops, and cultural exchanges
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NATURE AND ARTS programming for families with children
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A small multilingual family LIBRARY with books in Indigenous languages (Otomí, Mam, Zapoteco, Mixteco, Nahuatl, Mayan, Purépecha), Spanish, and English
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A seasonal community MILPA, an ancient agricultural system of the Anahuac with in-depth studies of the TONALPOHUALLI, a knowledge system indigenous to Mexico
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A FREE community wellness clinic, trainings, and movement workshops through their ongoing APAPACHO initiative —a space to uplift voices that have not traditionally been heard
As a nonprofit cultural organization, we strive to make our programs accessible to everyone. Need-based financial support is offered to those who qualify, subject to scholarship funding.
DANCE MONKS are collaboratively creating a network of Artists Supporting Artists/ Artistas Apoyando Artistas and are currently envisioning a constellation of sister sites around the world. Interested in being part of this conversation? Contact us!
LOCATION: Situated on over 38 acres of mountain terrain full of mesquite trees, wild flora, stones and cactus in Estancia de Canal, Guanajuato, Mexico– near San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende (photo below) – 15 min | Querétaro Airport – 75 min | Guanajuato – 75 min | Mexico City – 3.5 hrs
