Meet Natacha Voliakovsky

We were lucky to catch up with Natacha Voliakovsky recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Natacha , so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
Research, detailed and organized planning, and collaboration with the community are all crucial aspects for taking risks the right way. I developed my ability to take risks by engaging in my desires and beliefs of building something that will have a direct impact on my community. Under this concept, and with the support of colleagues and friends, I founded Argentina Performance Art, a free accessible virtual archive and heritage project exclusively dedicated to the study of Argentine performance art which now covers all of South America. This project has been ongoing for four years, and in November 2023, we took on the challenge of organizing the first in-person South American Performance Art program in New York, a three-night series held at two recognized institutions in the city: Teatro Latea and Grace Exhibition Space. Thirteen artists presented their work, and over 300 people attended. The goal of sharing the cultural heritage of Latin American performance art as a migrant has always been present, and the fear of failure is not a limitation but a driving force to continue producing and taking more risks. I believe that taking risks opens doors to finding one’s community within a new context.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 2018 I founded Argentina Performance Art ( www.ArgentinaPerformanceArt.com ) and continue to be the current Director. My practice as a performance art artist takes place at the intersection of queer rights, Sudaca-feminism, and the reclamation of the sovereignty of our own body as an extension of public space. My work is profoundly connected to the South American context and the diaspora’s struggle towards social change. Currently, I am focused on planning the new cycles of South America Performance Art in New York for 2024 and 2025. With the aim of unifying South American artists globally and continuing to build an archive of past, present, and future memory and culture of Latin American performance art from a non-heteropatriarchal perspective.
This development is made possible thanks to the multidisciplinary team currently collaborating with Argentina Performance Art around the world. The permanent team consists of Nevena Martinovic General Coordinator (GBA/Mexico); Victoria del Valle Internship Coordinator (Ushuaia); Faustino Mercadal, Research (Córdoba); and the Interns 2023-2024 Sujetka Val Terkes (Peru/New York), Catalina Russo (CABA), and Alejandra Rondón (CABA), along with the great team of allies who collaborate intermittently.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my experience with Argentina Performance Art, I identify three qualities that proved to be the most impactful. First, building a community has been fundamental to the success of our project. We’ve been able to cultivate a space where artists and collaborators can connect, share ideas, and support each other. Secondly, the ability to follow up on commitments and consistently fulfill proposed initiatives has been crucial. This involves communication, organization, and honoring my word. Third, passion and love for what I am dedicating my time to is essential. This passion is contagious and serves as a driving force for the entire community. For those embarking on their journey, my advice is to focus on building a community and actively engaging in it. Seek collaborators and surround yourself with experts in the field. Uphold your word to develop a solid foundation of trust with your team. Adopt organizational skills and effective project management practices. Lastly, love what you do. This not only propels your dedication and resilience but also inspires others to join your cause.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Collaborators are always welcome at Argentina Performance Art; we value the diversity of voices and perspectives that enrich our process of building a live archive of performance art. The primary characteristic of the language of performance art is its heterogeneity and plurality, making differences fundamental to the project. We are open to partnering with those who share our passion for the cultural heritage of Latin American performance art and its preservation. APA (Argentina Performance Art) is in constant evolution, actively seeking new artists, collaborators, and institutions that align with our shared ideas.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
1. Natacha Voliakovsky in interview with Marta Minujin. PH: Magali Flaks 2. South-American Performance Art Cycle New York. PH: Kage Kid 3. Performance of Salome Egas. PH: Kage Kid 4. South-American Performance Art Cycle New York. PH: Vito Fun 5. Performance of Carolina Muñoz Awad. PH: Vito Fun 6. South-American Performance Art Cycle New York. PH: Vito Fun 7. Performance of Siri Gurudev. PH: Vito Fun

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