Despite being familiar landmarks for many Laredoans, the history and ecological treasures that surround the Rio Grande and Zacate Creek often go unnoticed. Through CompARTE Laredo, the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) is working to change that. By bringing together art, culture, environmental awareness, and community advocacy, CompARTE is working to foster engagement with some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
Founded over three decades ago, RGISC is a nonprofit dedicated to improving life along the South Texas border. According to Neighborhood Cultural Organizer, Mario Flores, the organization’s goals are primarily environmental and community-oriented, focusing on “air, land, water, nature, and neighborhoods.”
In recognizing that the neighborhoods along the Rio Grande and Zacate Creek possess remarkable cultural histories and significant environmental challenges, CompARTE Laredo grew to connect 11 inner-city neighborhoods through storytelling workshops, arts programming, cultural activities, and guided hikes that encourage residents to engage more deeply with the places they call home.
“[These residents] live in some of Laredo’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, next to some of the most magnificent yet unknown ecological features,” Flores said, including the Zacate Creek waterfall, Las Palmas Nature Trail, Eocene-era sandstone cliffs, and migratory birds that visit the region seasonally.
Yet, while the area boasts many natural marvels, these communities still face issues with deforestation, droughts, limited public gathering spaces, and threats of displacement linked to the controversial border wall project.
CompARTE seeks to address these concerns by helping residents become advocates for their neighborhood through the strengthening of their connection to local history and ecology. The utilization of story-based cultural workshops and place-centered art activities allows for participants to reflect on their individual experiences and build on their contributions to creating a broader vision for community revitalization.
“Our goal is to engage and empower residents to improve their quality of life by taking part in a community-driven ecological and historical revitalization of a 2.6-mile stretch of Zacate Creek,” Flores explained.
The heart of the initiative lies in the belief that community voices should lead conversations about the future of these neighborhoods. Flores notes the interconnectedness of issues in the area — from climate change and environmental justice to recreation and infrastructure — further reinforcing how essential resident participation is in CompARTE’s endeavours.
Moving forward, the organization’s aim is to extend beyond workshops and events, working to establish Neighborhood Councils in order to guide advocacy efforts and community-led campaigns. A master revitalization blueprint is also in the works, designed to incorporate public art, local history, and the stories of residents who have helped shape these communities.
“We hope that CompARTE Laredo offers a different perspective of the ongoing narrative along the Mexican-American border,” Flores said. “These communities have often been underserved and are ready to show their vibrancy and people power.”
Supported by the Mellon Foundation and various local partners, including the Daphne Art Foundation, Laredo Film Society, Café del Barrio, among others, CompARTE is equal parts neighborhood initiative and communal invitation, offering Laredoans a place to share their stories, reconnect with their environment, and help shape the future of the city together.
