Empowering Chicano/a/e and Latino/a/e Artists through Community and Creativity

Rooted in Culture. Inspired by Community. Building the Future.

The Chicano Center for the Arts is a Kansas City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and advancing Chicano/a/e and Latino/a/e arts, culture, history, and community. Founded on the belief that culture is a source of strength, identity, and belonging, we create opportunities that empower artists, entrepreneurs, youth, educators, and families to thrive.

We believe the arts are more than creative expression—they are powerful tools for education, economic opportunity, healing, leadership, and community transformation. Through culturally responsive programming, we honor our heritage while investing in the next generation of creators, changemakers, and community leaders. Our work continues to evolve from our original mission of supporting artists into a broader commitment to strengthening neighborhoods through arts, culture, education, and entrepreneurship.

What We Do

The Chicano Center for the Arts develops programs that increase access to the arts while creating opportunities for learning, leadership, and economic mobility. We bring people together through experiences that celebrate culture, inspire creativity, and strengthen community connections.

Our work includes:

• Arts education and mentorship programs for youth and emerging artists

• Cultural festivals and community celebrations

• Artist exhibitions, performances, and creative workshops

• Entrepreneurship and small business development opportunities

• Community markets and pop-up events supporting local vendors

• Leadership development and educational programming

• Public art, storytelling, and cultural preservation initiatives

• Community partnerships that expand access to resources and opportunities

Our Vision

We envision a future where Chicano/a/e and Latino/a/e artists, families, entrepreneurs, and cultural traditions are celebrated, invested in, and recognized as essential to the vitality of our communities. We strive to build neighborhoods where creativity flourishes, culture is preserved, and every person has the opportunity to belong, lead, and succeed.

Our Values

Culture
We honor the rich histories, traditions, languages, and artistic expressions that shape our communities.

Community
We believe meaningful change happens when people come together to support one another and invest in their neighborhoods.

Creativity
We champion the transformative power of the arts to educate, inspire, heal, and unite.

Equity
We work to remove barriers so that artists, youth, families, and entrepreneurs have equitable access to opportunities and resources.

Leadership
We cultivate leaders who strengthen their communities through service, collaboration, creativity, and advocacy.

Belonging
We are committed to creating welcoming spaces where every individual is seen, respected, celebrated, and empowered.

Our Impact

Each year, the Chicano Center for the Arts engages thousands of community members through festivals, exhibitions, educational programs, mentorship opportunities, entrepreneur initiatives, and cultural events. By investing in artists, supporting local businesses, developing young leaders, and preserving our cultural heritage, we are helping build a stronger, more connected Kansas City.

Whether we're mentoring young artists, celebrating community through the Chicano Art Festival, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, or bringing neighbors together through cultural events, our mission remains the same:

To preserve culture, inspire creativity, empower communities, and ensure future generations see themselves reflected in the arts, in leadership, and in the stories we tell together.