Día de los Muertos Artist Submission

2026 Día de los Muertos

The San Francisco Symphony, in collaboration with curator Martha Rodríguez-Salazar and artistic partner Casa Círculo Cultural, is proud to present its annual 2026 Día de los Muertos exhibit: Luces en el Camino: Día de los Muertos en Tlaxcala, or, Lights Along the Path: Day of the Dead in Tlaxcala.

Inspired by the cultural traditions of Tlaxcala and the symbolism of the firefly, this year’s exhibition explores themes of remembrance, resilience, renewal, and hope. We welcome altar installations and visual artworks that honor loved ones, celebrate ancestral connections, and illuminate the paths that guide us through times of uncertainty. 

Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from Tlaxcala’s rich artistic heritage, including the Santuario de las Luciérnagas, the murals of Cacaxtla and Centro Histórico, Día de los Muertos traditions such as the ambulatory skeleton of Nachito, altars using talavera, or Tlaxcala’s traditional music instrument, the salterio. Whether personal or communal in scope, we seek works that inspire reflection, storytelling, and the enduring relationship between memory, community, and natural cycles.

We welcome proposals from individual artists, community collectives, art educators and student groups, and encourage diverse voices and approaches. Whether deeply personal or broadly communal, we seek works that invite engagement and storytelling.

Interactive elements that allow audiences to contribute or connect more deeply with the installations are encouraged.

Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026