El Centro Cultural de las Americas

Founded on the premise that "Tucson's Hispanic heritage is too valuable to lose and needs to be preserved," El Centro Cultral de Las Americas seeks to educate, entertain, and share the heritage of Hispanic culture with Arizona. Because research shows that cultural programs help a community grow and flourish, the center was created to meet these needs. Spreading Hispanic cultural awareness is the center's goal. They are involved with 80 community based programs and in 1990 organized a task force to develop the center's mission. That task force later became the board of directors for the center. Goals of the center include creating a better educated and trained Hispanic community in Tucson, nurture Hispanic culture through professional development, provide a bridge for Hispanics to higher education, and promote Hispanic culture. The center intends to promote the culture through dance, music, graphic arts, photography, literature, culinary arts, sculpture, performing arts, film and video production, and oral histories. The center is also the site of a number of events and can be rented for private parties. The outdoor patio has been used for a variety of performances, fiestas, concerts, and quinceneras birthday celebrations. If you are interested in hosting your event at the center or would just like to learn more, contact them or visit their website.