Latino Arts Network of California

The Latino Arts Network (LAN) website provides access to a creative and professional network of individuals and organizations dedicated to strengthening and promoting California’s Latino Arts.  LAN is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit arts service organization and public charity with three major

program areas:

                           ► Communications & Networking

                           ► Capacity Building

                           ► Advocacy

                           ► Touring & Presenting

The mission of The Latino Arts Network is to support and strengthen the Latino arts community and to promote the cultural well being of the communities and artists we serve. Throughout our unique 10-year history, LAN continually strives to provide technical assistance and educational services to arts organizations; develop and sponsor traveling exhibitions and public performances; and provide educational services to government, foundation other philanthropic institutions about issues relating to the Latino art community.

The Latino Arts Network was founded in 1997 by a consortium of several California community-based Latino arts and cultural organizations. These organizations shared many common characteristics: more than half had been producing and presenting for over 20 years, they operated venues that serve adult and youth audiences; and they presented a diverse spectrum of artists and art forms.

In 1999-2001, the Latino Arts Network developed its touring program by organizing Hecho en Califas: The Last Decade, a visual arts exhibition and accompanying catalog, featuring the work of contemporary California Latino artists.  Hecho en Califas was the combined effort of 10 institutions, 18 cultural workers, 31 artists and countless volunteers and supporters from throughout the state.  Hecho en Califas revealed the wealth of talent that exists within the neighborhoods that our centers and made this important work accessible to audiences throughout California.

In 2002, the Latino Arts Network presented Encuentro del Son, a 28-person touring performance of three Son music groups from Mexico and Son de la Tierra from the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts. In that same year when the California Arts Council lost nearly 50% of its budget, LAN played a significant role in organizing the arts field and advocated for reinstatement of public support for the arts. Through its advocacy program, LAN maintains that role and is considered a lead advocate for public funding for the arts in California.

In 2003, the Latino Arts Network launched its capacity building program with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and in the following year received a second NEA grant to expand the program. To date, the program has provided eight California Latino art organizations with IT support services, equipment and programs to bridge the “digital divide” that many of our organizations experience.

In 2004, the Latino Arts Network organized an intensive seven-day grant writing seminar in Akumal, Mexico attend by eight participants.  As a result, the individual participants have experienced a 30 to 50% increase in support from the previous year for proposals submitted to the original funding source. In that same year, the Latino Arts Network was granted its 501 (c) 3 status and began to operate as an independent non-profit organization.

In 2005, the Latino Arts Network in association with El Teatro Campesino presented Mexico’s legendary bolero group the Trio Los Panchos in four Northern and Central California cities with large Latino populations; Sacramento, San Jose, Watsonville and Fresno.

In 2006-08, the Latino Arts Network re-launched its website and continues to provide vital information and resources for its members. LAN also distributes a monthly e-mail newsletter to a growing number of constituents and serves as the state’s voice for California’s Latino arts organizations and artists.  LAN continually strives to use digital technology more effectively and provide a gathering for those working in this space to network and learn from their peers.