Urban Gateways has been sharing arts experiences with young people for 60 years, and throughout our history we’ve worked to center diverse cultures, art forms, and perspectives through our programs. Hispanic and Latino/Latinx artists, young people, staff, partners, supporters, and others who have participated in our community have brought immense creativity and fortitude to our mission from the very beginning.
September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States – an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and amplify the voices of our neighbors whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America (paraphrased from hispanicmonth.net). Learn more about the celebration and this year’s theme, “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope”, right here >>
Through October 15 we’ll continue to add resources, events, and organizations to support via this link – with a focus on Chicago. We’ll also be posting on social media (@UrbanGatewaysChicago on Facebook, @urbangateways on Instagram and Twitter). Please feel free to follow along and comment/tag us with additional resources! We hope this list can remain as a reminder to celebrate Hispanic communities and art forms throughout the year.
This page continues to grow, so keep checking back!
Touring Artists
Shout out all the incredible performing arts groups on our touring roster who’ve inspired thousands by sharing Hispanic and Latinx art forms with young people all over Chicago. Take a moment and learn about/follow/support them! (Website links below, plus Instagram handles where applicable.)
Son Monarcas & Nahui Ollin >> @sonmonarcas @nahuiollinaztecdance
Flamenco Quartet Project >> @clinardance
Nelson & Paola Sosa >>
Sisai >>
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater >> @ensembleespanol
Radio Free Honduras >> @radiofreehonduras
Chicago-Based Organizations
These are just a few of the Chicago-area organizations working to support and uplift Hispanic and Latinx community members and art forms. Get to know them and make a donation!
Chicago Latino Film Festival >>
Chicago Latino Theater Alliance >>
International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago >>
National Museum of Mexican Art >>
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture >>
Puerto Rican Arts Alliance >>
Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center >>
Yollocalli >>
Events
Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival >>
September 23-October 17
Embodying Latinidad: Diverse Dance Practices of Intersectional Latinx/a/o Artists in the US >>
Sept 24; webinar presented by the National Dance Education Organization
Plenazo! A Community Celebration with Plena Libre >>
Oct 15 @ Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center
Runway Latinx “We Flourish” >>
Oct 15-17; Runway Latinx 2021 happening in Chicago!
More
We’ve been enjoying this Hispanic Heritage Month playlist on Spotify; check it out!
Here’s an article from Choose Chicago with some ideas to explore Latinx heritage in the city’s neighborhoods.
Food for thought: Here’s a piece titled Latinos own and disown ‘Hispanic’ in journey to harness identity >>
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