Gabriel Carrion-Gonzales
Gabriel Carrion-Gonzales (they/them) serves as the IMOD Co-Director Community Engagement in New Mexico. In their role at IMOD, Gabriel is dedicated to designing programming that responsibly responds to the communities IMOD collaborates with, centering the question: How can this program cultivate JOY and self-LOVE by activating the Arts? This guiding intention evolves continuously, building pathways for youth and emerging artists to grow creatively and develop leadership through connection with elder artists and cultural stewards, ensuring respect for every part of our arts ecosystem. With 20 years of embodied dance experience (from Erotic Arts to classical ballet) they approach their work as a student, bridging artistry and arts administration to redefine what it means to be a contemporary arts professional. Through national mentorships with Dance/USA (2021) and David Herrera Performance Co. (2022), along with their work with New Mexico’s National Dance Institute, National Hispanic Cultural Center, and Dancing Earth, Gabriel build relationships that honor and uplift the New Mexico community’s art, rooted in love and self-empowerment. Gabriel attended the University of New Mexico earning a B.A. in Psychology with minors in Arts, Business Leadership and Dance. Gabriel works with IMOD because of the shared vision to alchemize with the power of the arts and expand reach across both national and international communities, bringing healing, creativity, and joy to spaces IMOD engages. They hold a personal vision of being a reminder that the creation and administration of the arts should be enjoyable, respecting both their own and their ancestors' belief that the arts are meant to unite communities in a sacred and nourishing space. With this intention, Gabriel hopes to bring forth work that honors these values within IMOD and museums worldwide.
FAVORITES: Gabriel’s favorite dance movie/film is M3LL155X, FKA twigs, 2015. Their favorite place to dance is anywhere his only audience is the trees, the sky, the ocean – where Pachamama can receive their love offering to her.