Mary Stephens is the founder and director of Border/Arte, a site-specific arts production organization. Formally trained in theatre, conflict resolution and diplomacy, she works on a global scale, utilizing arts-based practices as a cultural organizing tool toward base-building. Her work investigates the racialized and gendered production of space/place, and is committed to a politics of place-keeping. Her curatorial work focuses on site-specific artistic interventions in contested sites, and in deepening bi-national relationships between Mexico and the United States. She curates gatherings to address issues of race, migration, gender, climate change, and displacement. She co-founded the Binational Arts Residency program, now in its sixth successful year. Prior to her current roles, she served as director of Performance in the Borderlands and was on faculty at Arizona State University from 2012 - 2024.
In additional to her curatorial work, she founded InSite Consultants, an award-winning equity consulting group advancing institutional accountability through anti-racism and gender equity across the United States. Rooted in a family legacy, Mary also plays a pivotal role in the Phoenix Hostel & Cultural Center, an international hub for travel and the arts in Arizona. Balancing her commitments, she divides her time between Oakland, CA, Phoenix, AZ, and the dynamic US/MX borderlands. For bio / images here.
In additional to her curatorial work, she founded InSite Consultants, an award-winning equity consulting group advancing institutional accountability through anti-racism and gender equity across the United States. Rooted in a family legacy, Mary also plays a pivotal role in the Phoenix Hostel & Cultural Center, an international hub for travel and the arts in Arizona. Balancing her commitments, she divides her time between Oakland, CA, Phoenix, AZ, and the dynamic US/MX borderlands. For bio / images here.
