Connecting Through the Arts

Arts and Community Engagement grad student fellows receive support to build regional partnerships, expand research. When UC San Diego graduate student Miguel Zazueta first began interviewing community members in his Tijuana neighborhood about how they experienced safety and security, he faced more questions than answers. But his research hinges on their participation and, after gaining their trust, he now holds a deep understanding of their thoughts, passion and fears—enough to translate that to music, ultimately sharing with the region as a way to give voice to a thriving community. "My personal research as a UC San Diego student involves the practice of singing as a bridge for intimate relationships between the self, the direct people around the vocal practice and the communities around those practices, all of this ultimately for the pursuit of common well-being," Zazueta said about his work. He is pursuing his master's degree in performance from the Department of Music. Zazueta is one of five inaugural Community Connections Fellows carrying out clearly defined, self-proposed projects, providing them an opportunity to create meaningful partnerships with diverse, community organizations through the visual and performing arts. In turn, the students gain practical experience that could influence their continued research, academic focus or career trajectory.