Candy Hurtado will talk about questions regarding concepts of authenticity and indigeneity continue to permeate the analysis and production of Andean music and dance performance, often times these outsider perspectives have resulted in the policing of the indigenous authenticity of central Andean vernacular culture. As a native performer, scholar, and activist, this talk will look at the role of cultural activism, practice, and performance in the central Andes of Jauja and how it continues to embed agency to defy outside impositions by negotiating and redefining cultural products and ultimately indigenous Xauxa identity.

Candy Hurtado Bonilla is a McKnight and Presidential fellow pursuing her Ph.D. in Andean Studies at Florida Atlantic University. She has a Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from Florida International University and holds a Bachelors Degree in Political Science with minors in Economics and International relations. She is currently an Instructor of Latin American Studies, Andean Dance and Music, World Literature and Spanish Language and Culture. Her research Interests include: Ethnomusicology, Ethno history and Cultural Anthropology. Ms. Hurtado has ample experience in cultural development projects, public policy studies, marketing, research, and public relations in the academic, corporate, and non-profit sectors, where she has established important links with key players in the region. 

Candy is a well-recognized Peruvian musician and the Executive Director of the Kuyayky Foundation a federally recognized non-profit organization that fosters the social, political, cultural and economic development of Andean culture through lectures, recordings, cultural productions, performances and fundraising.