‘Cuento Cups: Because Our Stories Matter’ exhibit seeks submissions by Oct. 2

The exhibit is in response to Chipotle Mexican Grill’s “Cultivating Thought Author Series.”

In May of 2014, ten authors, thought-leaders, and comedians were chosen to pen original essays for Chipotle Mexican Grill’s take-out cups and bags. Not one Mexican, Mexican-American or Latina/o was asked by the national franchise (whose PR promotes “food with integrity”) to participate in the series, said Anna Bermudez, curator of collections at the Museum of Ventura County.

While Chipotle reps have stated that “they … will take [the idea of including Mexican/Mexican American authors into consideration] for the next round,” Bermudez and author Michele Serros said they believe that time is now.

“So, artists, writers, and thought thinkers of ALL backgrounds: can you spin a story as original as a staff writer for The New Yorker? Be as funny as Sarah Silverman? As esthetically pleasing as…well, you get the idea,” Bermudez said. “We invite you to utilize a simple paper cup or paper bag as a canvas to express your own compelling cuento/story. Perhaps you’d even like to construct your own take-out dispensable? The possibilities are endless.”