Arizona is a state rich with arts — from the ballet, symphony and art museums to school folklore and mariachi groups. Phoenix, the fifth-largest city in the United States, has Chinese, Irish, Black and Muslim cultural centers. Yet there exists no Latino cultural center, despite Latinos being the fastest growing population in the state.

It is our belief that an entrepreneurial, self-sustaining Latino Cultural Center will help to bring together generations and many cultures. A Latino Cultural Center facility will offer a wide variety of cultural programming throughout the year, including traditional and contemporary art exhibitions, films, writing conferences, music, dance and theatrical productions.

"At the end of the day, we are creating and investing in a legacy for Latino arts and culture," said Erlinda Tórres, president of the consortium's board. "It means enhancing the life of all Arizonans."

In addition, the Cultural Center will offer artist training workshops, lectures and artists talks. The Center will establish itself as an integral resource for teachers and students. Through interactive tours and outreach workshops of its collections, exhibitions, and historical archives, the Cultural Center will provide valuable learning tools to communities and schools.

In 2008, Congress passed a law that created a commission to explore the need for a national Latino museum. In June, a non-profit conducted a telephone survey of 1,200 Latino residents in Maricopa County, which found Latinos spend about $118 million annually on arts and culture

Yet ALAC alone cannot achieve the dream. Everyone – from student to governor – must become strategic partners in an innovative Artnership. We envision many organizations merging into a growing movement that will evolve a Latino Cultural Center to showcase, nurture and preserve Latino art and culture for generations to come.