Strategic Focus : Cultural Literacy : School of Arts and Culture at MHP

School of Arts & Culture at MHP incubates a school of arts and culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza (MHP) for children and families

Register for the Inaugural Summer Arts & Culture Day Camps at MHP

Click on the image above to learn more about sessions 2 and 3 and how to register

School of Arts & Culture at MHP Guiding Principles:

  • Serve a diverse population of the San Jose region with a special emphasis on programming that supports the successful accomplishment of developmental milestones for youth and personal growth for adults with a focus on self-esteem and cultural identity
  • Promote inclusiveness regardless of social, gender, age, economic, racial, ethnic or language differences
  • Provide high quality arts instruction and experience in Mexican arts and those of its Diaspora including contemporary, traditional and “root” forms
  • Integrate the learning of art-making skills with an introduction to art history, including the social and political context of the art forms
  • Inspire all students to reach to their fullest creative potential and provide them with the skills to do so
  • Develop artists into leaders and promote self-awareness of their role and understanding of the importance of artists as citizens in society
Progress to date: Since opening in 1999, Mexican Heritage Plaza has struggled with its leadership, cultural offerings, funding and community support. In 2007, the City of San Jose took over operations of the Plaza from Mexican Heritage Corporation and commissioned a community steering committee of 13 civic leaders to develop a business plan for the Plaza’s sustainable future. The committee met for over a year and concluded that a school of arts and culture for children and families: 1) met a real need in the community, 2) aligned with the cultural intent of the Plaza, and 3) had the highest probability of securing earned income, philanthropic investment and community support. In addition, 1stACT Silicon Valley was identified as the Interim Incubator Operator (IIO) to test the business model and “operationalize” the vision. A business plan was developed and can be downloaded by clicking here.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please direct your inquiry to Tamara Alvarado, Director of Multicultural Leadership at talvarado@1stact.org