NALAC connects Philadelphia's community

As you all may or may not know the National Association of Latino Arts & Cultures will be holding their national conference in Philadelphia. This biannual event is the only national conference in the United States that specifically convenes Latino artists and arts professionals. More than 500 participants are expected to attend from across the nation. Conference participants who travel to Philadelphia for the conference will be encouraged to visit local museums, arts organizations, and explore the city’s artistic heritage.

This Thursday, March 29 the host committee will be hosting a "connect" reception in hopes to continue momentum until the conference. Major conference updates will be announced including this year's keynote speaker. And because I'm on the committee, word has it there will be a surprise performance during the reception. The reception is your chance to get involved in the NALAC conference. Whether you'd like to volunteer, sponsor, perform or just support, this is the perfect opportunity.  Moira Baylson, Deputy Cultural Officer, Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy at City of Philadelphia and Maria Lopez de Leon, executive director, NALAC, are scheduled to speak. For more information please e-mail nalacphilly@gmail.com.

The NALAC host committee consists of: Carmen Febo San Miguel, Taller Puertorriqueño; Edgardo Gonzalez, Taller Puertorriqueño; Cynthia Hernandez, Taller Puertorriqueño;  Veronica Castillo-Perez, Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas, Inc.;  Jasmine Dottin, Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas, Inc.;   Matilde Dueñas, Mexican Cultural Center; Marcela Garza, Mexican Cultural Center; Andrea Townrow, Mexican Cultural Center; Lucas Rivera, Artistas y Musicos Latinoamericanos (AMLA); Magda Martinez, Fleisher Art Memorial; Michelle Ortiz, Artist, Bartol Foundation; Tony Rocco, Artist, Photography Without Borders; Eric Cortes, WWSI Telemundo Philadelphia; Emilio Buitrago, Casa de Venezuela ; Israel Colon, City of Philadelphia; James Claiborne, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.