Santiago Ávila Albuja

Santiago Ávila Albuja (b. 1993) graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University in 2016. Subsequently, he pursued a Master's in Cultural Theory and Criticism at Universidad Carlos III - Spain, graduating in 2017. Following this, he obtained a Master's in Curatorial Studies from the University of Navarra in 2023, with the honor of receiving a scholarship from the Fundación Carolina, a prestigious foundation based in Spain.

With five years teaching experience at Ecuadorian institutions, he’s specialized in art and design instruction. He taught in the Visual Arts program at the Pontifical Catholic University and the Graphic and Digital Design program at the University Israel.

Currently, he holds the position of Exhibitions and Public Programs Manager at the Contemporary Art Center (CAC). Additionally, he is the coordinator of the Mariano Aguilera National Arts Award, which is the most prestigious contemporary art award in Ecuador and serves as a strong platform for contemporary art.

In his role at CAC, Santiago collaborates closely with the educational and community mediation department. Together, they develop projects aimed at critically reflecting on processes of revaluing local cultures and fostering intercultural dialogue, particularly within Ecuadorian territories. Notable projects include Away Paccha (2022) a solo show of Yana Lema an indigenous artist from Otavalo. 'Desbordes' (2023), which highlights the experiences of artists living with physical and mental disabilities, and 'Positiva' (2024), showcasing artists living with HIV from across Latin America.

Furthermore, he continues to work as a part-time university professor while pursuing his curatorial endeavors. As an independent curator, Santiago collaborates with emerging artists, particularly those addressing queer identity and themes related to intercultural dialogues centered on the effects of climate crises. He strives to support and validate the importance of guiding new artistic talents, contributing to their professional development, and highlighting the relevance of artistic practice emerging from Ecuador.

Santiago Ávila Albuja, Exhibitions and Public Programs Manager, Quito Contemporary Art Center, Quito, Ecuador, has been awarded by the Getty Foundation, Los Angeles.