Joshua Ramirez is a brown-indigenous social practice artist, curator, and cultural practitioner that works and resides in Los Angeles County. Using his own mental Illness and disability as a platform for systemic change, he has successfully started his own non-profit (501c3) that merges advocacy and art. Saint Remy Arts & Culture, provides transformative and cultural spaces for individuals with mental illness, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts through the creative process of art and creation. By leading through the lens of authenticity and empathy, he continues to use his unique experience to mentor at-risk youth, advocate for artists with disabilities, and create social impact programming for traditionally underrepresented communities. He currently sits on the board of NAMI Pomona Valley and advises national and local organizations such as: Americans for the Arts, NEA, MOMA, Department of Cultural Affairs-Los Angeles, Depression and Bipolar Alliance, California Arts Council & Tri-City Mental Health. He has a BA in art from the University of Southern California and an MA in art education. He is currently a Roski Fellow at the University of Southern California, where he is associate professor at Dornsife as well as receiving his second MA in Curation in the Public Sphere.
“I believe that fostering creativity in young people—especially those from marginalized communities—can help them develop a sense of agency, resilience, and connection. By integrating social justice with arts education, I aim to equip the next generation with the tools to challenge inequities and create meaningful change in their communities.”