As we grow older, our holiday wish lists quietly transform. What once looked like circling toys in glossy magazines with a red marker shifts, over time, into more practical desires: groceries that stretch a little further, rest that feels uninterrupted, or a brief escape from work and responsibility. As our wishes become less Barbie-shaped and more grounded in reality, we begin to notice how deeply our environments shape not only what we want, but what we feel allowed to want.
In that spirit, Gestoras is imagining a 2026 holiday wish list- not of objects, but of conditions. Of resources, rights, and reforms that would meaningfully support Latina and Latine women working across arts and cultural management. Some of these wishes require structural change; others can be made tangible through everyday actions, like ensuring the only woman in the room is supported, credited, and truly heard.
Here is the Gestoras 2026 Holiday Wish List:
1. Fair Pay as a Baseline, Not a Bonus
Transparent salary bands, paid internships, and compensation that reflects expertise - especially in cultural labor that is too often framed as a “labor of love.”
2. Representation With Decision-Making Power
Seats at the table that come with real authority, not just symbolic inclusion.
3. Time to Think, Read, and Dream
Protected time for research, reflection, and creative thinking / recognizing that innovation requires space, not constant urgency.
4. Cross-Border and Intergenerational Solidarity
Resources that support collaboration across the Global North and South, and across generations, including:
ArtConnect: A creative workshop initiative that empowers women and communities through collaborative art projects addressing social issues like migration and climate justice.
Res Artis: The international peak body for artist residencies, connecting the sector through digital platforms and live gatherings for promotion, networking, and learning.
Triangle Network: An international arts network connecting artists and organizations across countries for collaborative practice and cultural exchange.
Red Latinoamericana de Gestión Cultural: A regional cultural management network that connects cultural managers across Latin America and the Caribbean for cooperation and professional visibility.
UNESCO Creative Cities Network: A UNESCO program that fosters cooperation among cities worldwide using culture and creativity as drivers of sustainable urban development.
AAAE (Association of Arts Administration Educators): an international association that advances inclusive, equitable, and resilient environment for the arts by supporting arts administration education faculty, programs, and students.
5. Everyday Acts of Care and Allyship
Colleagues who amplify women’s voices in meetings, share opportunities equitably, and intervene when someone is overlooked or interrupted.
6. Representation of Female Latina Leaders Across Arts and Culture
Consistent, meaningful representation of Latina leaders, not only because it is necessary, but because it inspires future generations and expands access to what feels possible.
Gestoras wishes you a warm holiday season, and offers a thoughtful reminder as we look toward 2026: meaningful change is something we can build together!
Happy holidays!
Reine, Ximena, Itzel, Karina, y Farima
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