COMMUNITIES SERVED
Plaza de la Raza’s primary constituency is the surrounding community of Lincoln Heights and East Los Angeles, with many of its programs and services designed specifically for these immediate neighbors. The students that attend Plaza’s School of Performing and Visual Arts (SPVA) represent adults, teenagers and children—95% of whom are from middle to low-income families. Increasing numbers of alumni from our SPVA continue on to advanced studies in art, theatre, music or dance. Plaza’s programs are developed in direct response to the needs of the local community and positively influence the lives of the individuals who make up this constituency.
Plaza is vital to the larger Latino community of Los Angeles as well. Census figures show Latinos comprise more than 40% of Los Angeles County’s population and Plaza remains the only multidisciplinary cultural arts center solely dedicated to address the needs of this growing population. As a result, Plaza has become a valuable bridge between the Latino community and the larger Los Angeles cultural landscape. Equally important, through its exhibition and education programs, Plaza offers quality venues for the Latino visual and performing artist community.
FUTURE
Plaza de la Raza is at a critical juncture in its history. Plaza has grown from a mere landmark into a fully operating institution working to preserve, foster and present a heritage that is increasingly becoming a dominant part of the cultural fabric of Los Angeles. The most important steps that must be taken to ensure Plaza’s future are by those of the many supporters. Continued assistance from donors and volunteers that understand the importance of encouraging learning, art and culture within the Latino community is vital, now more than ever. It is only with the cooperation and financial support of business, labor, education, foundation, government and individuals, that Plaza can continue to provide its community the cultural, artistic and human services resources necessary to guarantee a better tomorrow.