August 17, 2018 – A native of Northern New Mexico, Dr. Estevan Rael-Gàlvez has spent his professional life reimagining his home state’s unique past. A former state historian and director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Rael-Gàlvez was part of the group that began conversations to end La Entrada, part of Santa Fe’s annual Fiestas celebration. In recent weeks, the All Pueblo Council of Governors, the Fiesta Council, the Caballeros de Vargas, the Catholic Church and the City of Santa Fe announced an agreement that will change the yearly celebration of Don Diego de Vargas’ reconquest of Santa Fe. Rael-Gàlvez talks to NMiF correspondent Matt Grubs about the importance of memory and tradition, and the perils of both concepts as well. He also speaks to the origins of La Entrada, including its current iteration, which began only about a century ago. Episode 1207

In 2016 Creative Strategies 360° was engaged by the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico to design, develop and write the City’s first cultural plan. Focused on the intrinsic value of culture and how it can be leveraged for the vibrancy, health and wellbeing of the community Dr. Rael-Galvez (principal of Creative Strategies 360°) led broad community engagement, and conducted extensive research to develop the framework of a roadmap, a relevant and dynamic instrument that will guide the City, elevate its assets and position Santa Fe as vibrant and meaningful to all its residents and visitors. This video, supported by funding from the McCune Foundation, showcases the public engagement for Culture Culture Santa Fe.

Dr. Estevan Rael-Galvez was invited to participate in “Catalyzing Newport,” a statewide Rhode Island collaborative that utilizes visiting “catalysts” to engage local communities in meaningful exchanges to address local and national challenges related to digital culture, cultural entrepreneurship, urban growth and economy, and diversity and prosperity – all to offer a new vision for Newport’s cultural sector, rich in culture, civic life, and economic opportunities. http://catalyzingnewport.org/