May 2023 Newsletter

A Note from LCAC Board Member Bobby LeFebre


As we move towards Las Bodegas with renewed intention and more resources, momentum, and purpose than ever before, it's important to refresh our guiding principles that will serve as the margins allowing the river of growth to flow. We're excited for the future, guided by our New Mission and Vision, and invite you to join the LCAC as we continue our journey to build a vibrant, socially conscious arts ecosystem that creates belonging through placekeeping, cements cultural legacy, and activates Latinidad as a vehicle for civic dialogue and social change.

Mission



The mission of the Latino Cultural Arts Center is to develop, elevate and showcase the artistic and intellectual contributions of Latinos by centering, celebrating, and activating Latinidad. The LCAC provides education, training, mentoring, and incubation for emerging creatives specializing in visual, digital, performing, musical, culinary, and literary arts.

Vision



The LCAC imagines a Cultural Campus rooted in the Latino experience that serves a multi-generational audience, merging artistic and cultural development with economic empowerment to support artists, youth, families, educators, and the broader local and regional community. 


Through exhibitions, workshops, events, and performances, the LCAC creates a vibrant, socially conscious arts ecosystem that creates belonging through place-keeping, cements cultural legacy, and activates Latinidad as a vehicle for civic dialogue and social change.

Values

 

Imaginative Excellence 

We aspire to be exceptional anywhere and everywhere. 

 

Cultural Courage

We co-create across differences, inspiring solidarity, and collective action. 

 

Collective Impact

We create structural change by connecting families, neighborhoods, artist studios, classrooms, businesses, and service providers.


Latinidad

We honor and embody a rich and complex experience that is simultaneously Indigenous, African, Asian, and European and always evolving.

Join the LCAC's Grassroots Fundraising Community! Donate Today!
The Latest LCAC News & Upcoming Events

The LCAC Aims to Empower Latino Artists and Creatives in Colorado on CBS News Denver

"We all know Colorado has a vibrant cultural arts scene. Now a vision that's been decades in the making is beginning to take shape for our region's Latino community. An arts hub hoping to lift up a new generation of artists & storytellers.



Executive Director of the Latino Cultural Arts Center, Alfredo Reyes, relates the vision to advance and elevate the artistic and intellectual contributions of Latinos via a new center. He met with us at the future site of "Las Bodegas" which hopes to build a path to economic empowerment for Latinos. It's located at West 12th Avenue just east of I-25." - CBS News Denver

Watch the News Clip

Unforgettable and Mesmerizing:

TLAOLLI Took our Breath Away

The LCAC brought the world premiere of TLAOLLI at The Biennial’s Fábrica de Arte Americas for the historic convening of the Cities Summit. The multi-faceted theatric production left the audience captivated from start to finish. 


Multidisciplinary artist Jairo Heli along with dancers Angelica Baños and Nandy Luna took to the stage with musicians Topiltzin Borsegui and Benito Cortés Padua for an incredible dynamic and passionate performance that ignited all the senses. Many described it as emotionally moving and healing. Listen to an interview with the artists here.


Did you happen to miss it? Watch the stunning world premiere of TLAOLLI and prepare to be transported to another world!

Watch Performance on IG

Cinco de Mayo at the Capital with LCAC and MSU Denver

The Colorado Senate and Latino Caucus celebrated Cinco de Mayo in a special way this year, by inviting the LCAC and Mariachi Correcaminos de MSU Denver to perform at the State Capitol. The group was recognized for their great achievement by distinguished Senator Julie Gonzales, who applauded their efforts to promote Latino culture and history through music. We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate and appreciate such exceptional talent, & we look forward to future events that honor & uplift our diverse & beautiful communities. 


¡Que Viva la Cultura Mexicana! ¡VIVA!

Join us For an Exciting Father’s Day Shopping Experience

Hijos del Sol

2715 W. 8th Avenue, Denver

June 10, 2023

10am-4pm


Our upcoming vendor meet-and-greet features Mexico en La Piel, a local clothing line offering high-quality guayaberas from Yucatan, Mexico. These sophisticated dress shirts are ideal for any special occasion. 


Come shop our collection of leather goods, men’s accessories and apparel, and gain insight into the fascinating techniques and traditions that go into the unique guayaberas we carry, just in time for Father’s Day!

  Indigenous Design, Works and Words Workshop

Hijos Del Sol

2715 W. 8th Avenue, Denver

June 10, 2023

10:30am-12:30pm 


We are excited to provide a new art workshop where men can come together to explore their creativity, connect with others, and learn new skills. Facilitators Multicultural Certified Specialist Raul Suarez and Community Artist Bill Sanchez will offer hands-on instruction with Precious Metal Clay. In addition to learning key techniques to communication and emotional resilience, participants will also create a pendant to take home.

Register for Workshop

Water Ceremony: Celebrating Our Connection to Water

Over the last eight weeks, we gathered the community to paint a beautiful tribute to our connection to water, land and nature. The “Water Ceremony”, led by Master Muralist David Ocelotl Garcia, has been a true collaboration and a representation of the importance of communing to celebrate our shared values. Thank you to everyone who participated!

At the Sun Valley Night Market, on May 20th, we held a beautiful ceremony and blessing, led by Grupo Tlaloc, in honor of Chalchiuhtlicue, the Goddess of terrestrial waters. It is important now more than ever to take the time to reflect on how our connection with the natural world impacts both our daily lives and the larger ecosystem. Stop by and take a look at the stunning mural that we can all take pride in, knowing that it represents the spirit of our diverse community and our commitment to preserving and honoring the environment around us.

En Comunidad

Embark on a Musical Adventure this Summer

Residential Summer Music Camp

465 Longs Peak Rd

Estes Park, CO 80517

August 1 - 6, 2023

Ages 10-17


This immersive summer music camp for beginner to intermediate-level musicians is presented in partnership with the Latino Cultural Arts Center and Rocky Ridge Music Academy. Enjoy a week-long overnight adventure that explores the musical cultures of the Americas. Nuestras Raíces: Música Mariachi brings expert faculty members to guide students in the study of Mariachi within a supportive and inspirational environment to broaden a student’s musical experience, knowledge, and inspire a sense of cultural belonging.


If you are interested in scholarship information please email Victoria Gonzalez.

Learn More & Register

Orgullo & Belonging

Join the Association of Latino Professionals For America Denver and Deloitte for an evening of celebration, bilingual discussion, and networking. Learn how to become a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community and enjoy a space to be your authentic self.


No matter how you identify, no matter who you love, you belong!

Register for the Event

LCAC Denver \ Colorado

www.LCAC-Denver.org

@LCACdenver

303-698-0880

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