A growing hub for Latino cultures on Google Arts & Culture

As a new mother, one of the things I have looked forward to the most is sharing with my daughter the richness of the Latino culture. I grew up with parents that taught me to be proud of my background and shared stories of being a Chicano in LA. However, these days we’re all spending a little more time at home. That’s why I am so excited to share that Google Arts & Culture is expanding its online project celebrating Latino Cultures in the U.S. The hub is a beautifully curated source to learn insights from Latino voices about Latino culture in the U.S.

I plan to take my daughter on a cultural journey around the U.S. guided by more than 50 expert partners—from the Ballet Hispánico in New York, NY to the Museo Eduardo Carillo in Santa Cruz, CA. Along the way, we’ll learn about inspiring individuals, artists, street art, food, activism, dance, movie stars, and more.

Joining for the first time this October is the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, with a spotlight on Puerto Rico’s resilience after Hurricane Maria. I am especially excited to introduce her to courageous and strong Latino individuals who take center stage on the new page. From activist Dolores Huerta to Selena, the “Queen of Tejano Music,” we’re reminded of their enduring contributions to America, from Hollywood to Congress. The project also explores Latino communities rooted in the U.S., from activists and immigrants in Washington, D.C., to the fast-growing Latino population in Richmond, VA.

Also launching for the first time is the permanent collection of the Art Museum of the Americas, a treasure-trove of community stories from the Ballet Hispánico, a mural tour and virtual walkthrough from the Museum of Latin American Art, and a retrospective of Patssi Valdez from the UCLA Chicano Studies and Research Center. Since the initial launch of this platform in 2017, the page has grown to 4,800+ artifacts, 122 stories, and 54 expert partners.

The long history of Latino culture has sparked incredible art. New to Latino art and don’t know where to start? Here’s a list of 25 Latino artists you should know—you can explore more of this history in the stunning images from the Ballet Hispánico’s early performances and in the use of craft to express identity. As for my favorite stories of Latino art, I’m torn between a tour of Chicana murals around Los Angeles and alook at the style of Latinas in Los Angeles.

Joining the celebration are Solimar Salas and Gabriela Urtiaga from the Museum of Latin American art, and Marina Reyes Franco at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico. In a new video, they will guide you through their favorite Latino art, food and fashion as they share what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them.

I can’t wait to share with my daughter the richness and complexity of what it means to be Latino in America. Go on your own journey to learn more about Latino history, contributions and experiences at g.co/latinocultures.

• Local History.jpg

  Local History, located in Los Angeles, was part of a mural painted by Judy Baca in 1974. The image is part of the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center’s collection.

• Con Brazos Abiertos.jpg

  Con Brazos Abiertos is from one of the Ballet Hispánico’s stunning performances.

• Los Sobrevivientes (The Survivors).jpg

  Los Sobrevivientes (The Survivors) by Osvaldo Borda is part of the Art Museum of the America’s permanent collection.

• Museum of Latin American Art Street View.png

  Explore the Museum of Latin American Art in street view.

• Curator YouTube Video.png

  Learn about Latino culture with curators and educators from the Museum of Latin American Art and the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico.

by April Alvarez via The Keyword