Disturbance: The Ecology of Change in Nature and Society

The Paseo Project invites artists to apply for participation in Disturbance, a new interdisciplinary program that pairs artists with scientists to explore wildfire as both a destabilizing force and a regenerative element in ecological and social systems. This project will unfold through shared research, creative collaboration, and public engagement, culminating in an exhibition and series of events in Taos, New Mexico, September–December 2026.

Through a required four-day Northern New Mexico based “fire ecology boot camp,” selected artists will be immersed in collaborative dialogue with fire practitioners and ecologists, and site visits to burn scars and post-fire landscapes. Artists will then return to their home studios to develop new work that reflects on the ecological, cultural, and emotional dimensions of wildfire. These works will then be shared in an exhibition in Taos, NM, designed to engage the broader community in dialogue about living with fire in a climate-altered future.

About Disturbance:

Wildfire is rapidly reshaping ecosystems and communities across the Southwest and around the world. Once a natural cycle of renewal, fire has become increasingly destructive due to climate change, forest mismanagement, and human settlement in fire-prone areas. Disturbance seeks to complicate this narrative—examining fire not only as a force of loss and fear but also as an essential ecological process of adaptation and resilience.

Through a required four-day Northern New Mexico based “fire ecology boot camp,”selected artists will be immersed in collaborative dialogue with fire practitioners and ecologists, and site visits to burn scars and post-fire landscapes. Artists will then return to their home studios to develop new work that reflects on the ecological, cultural, and emotional dimensions of wildfire. These works will then be shared in an exhibition, outdoor installations, and public programs in Taos, NM, designed to engage the broader community in dialogue about living with fire in a climate-altered future.
 

Eligibility & Expectations:

• Open to artists working in all media (2D, 3D, installation, writing, sound, projection, performance, interdisciplinary forms).
   
• We seek up to 10 artists: half based in the U.S. Southwest and half from national/international locations.
   
• Selected artists are required to participate in a four-day fire ecology “boot camp” April 9 - 12, 2026 with scientists and practitioners in Taos, New Mexico. This immersive experience will serve as the foundation for creating new, original work in response to the Disturbance theme.
   
• For this call, applicants are not expected to submit a specific project proposal. Instead, applications should demonstrate:
  
  • Examples of your past work.
  • The themes, ideas, and mediums you typically explore.
  • How your practice might connect with or contribute to the Disturbance program.
  • Experience with community engagement programs (talks, roundtables, workshops). 
     
• Artists will be asked to develop the work(s) for the Disturbance Exhibition after the boot camp and must be suitable for exhibition in an indoor gallery or outdoor courtyard setting. Parameters for work will be discussed as the program unfolds. Artists should be comfortable working within the designated timeframe for the creation of new works. 
   
• Applicants should be able to commit to the project timeline, including the book camp, field research, and creation of new work:
  • Boot Camp: April 9-12, 2026, Taos, New Mexico.
  • Studio Production of new work(s): April - August 2026. Exact deadline TBD.
  • Installation / Exhibition: September - December 2026. Exacted dates TBD.

Support & Stipends:

• Artist stipends: Selected artist to receive a stipend (Amount determined at time of selection). Travel stipends available on a case by case basis. 
   
• The Artist is responsible for transportation to Taos for the Book Camp, Shipping artwork to the final exhibition, materials, etc. Food and Housing will be provided during the bootcamp. 
   
• Artists are responsible for the transport and installation of their work.
   

Exhibition & Public Programs:

As part of the Disturbance Exhibition program (September - December 2026), artists will be encouraged to participate in public programs centered around the Exhibition. This may look like a number of things, from sharing your process through workshops, lectures, or interactive public programs. These activities will explore themes manifested through the Disturbance Exhibition. Additional stipends to be available for selected proposals depending on scale and complexity.  Within this call, proposals for engagements are not required, but Artists are encouraged to share past engagement experience. Scheduling of these engagements are at the discretion of organizers. 
 

Timeline:

• Application Period: November – January 2025
• Artist & Scientist Selection Announced: February 2026
• Boot Camp: April 9, 10, 11, 12th.
• Studio Production: April - August, 2026
• Installation & Exhibition Opening: September 2026
• Public Programs & Events: September – December 2026
  Exhibition schedule may change or be extended.
   

Jury:

Applications will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel composed of members of The Paseo Project team, partnering scientists and curators, and local artists and community advocates. The jury will evaluate applicants based on artistic merit, alignment with the program’s goals, and openness to interdisciplinary collaboration.


About the Partners:

The Paseo Project is a Taos-based arts nonprofit that transforms public space through immersive, participatory art experiences. Since 2014, Paseo has hosted international artists, fostered community dialogue, and created programs that connect art, environment, and education. Disturbance builds on this legacy by expanding into interdisciplinary collaborations that address some of the most urgent issues facing our communities today.

Del Fuego began in 2024 as a single event in Taos designed to expand the conversation around wildfire beyond agencies and experts. It has since evolved to include a variety of creative programming from diverse contributors intended to promote curiosity, nuance and open dialogue regarding the effects of wildfire on land, life, and community in northern New Mexico.

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• Artist Statement of Interest: A short statement (1 page) explaining your interest in the Disturbance program, how your practice relates to themes of fire, ecology, climate, change, or community, and what you hope to gain from participating in this Project.
   
• Work Samples: 3–5 examples of past work that demonstrate your artistic style, use of media, and themes you typically explore. (These should reflect the quality and type of work you might create after the boot camp, but do not need to be directly related to fire or ecology.) We are not looking at proposed work for this project. 
   
• Artist Bio / CV: A summary of your background, experience, and exhibitions.
   
• Application Fee: $20 (waived for Taos County residents; use code FREETAOS).

• Participants must be 21 years of age or over. 
   
• Artistic merit, originality, and alignment with the theme.
   
• Capacity to engage with interdisciplinary collaboration and field research.
   
• Potential to foster community reflection and dialogue around wildfire and ecological change.