Chicago Latino Theater Alliance

History:

The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was formed in 2016 by the three most prominent Chicago Latino arts organizations: International Latino Cultural Center, National Museum of Mexican Art, Puerto Rican Arts Alliance and arts executive, Myrna Salazar, with the generous support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and Allstate Insurance Company.

Programs:

CLATA is known for three anchor programs:

Destinos Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, one of the largest Latino theater festivalsl in the country.

Inicios: Chicago Latine Playwright Festival, a playwright festival dedicated to centering and elevating Chicagoland Latine playwrights.

Latine Theatre Artist Week, a weeklong series of workshops, trainings and events dedicated to the artistic and professional development of Latine theater artists.

Mission Statement:

To advocate for, cultivate, and advance Latino theater in Chicago by ensuring equitable access to resources, promoting artistic excellence, and amplifying the diverse narratives and contributions of Latino artists. We are committed to affirming their essential role in shaping the city's cultural and social fabric.

Vision Statement:

We envision a Chicago where Latino theaters and artists are centered, equitably supported, and empowered to thrive, ensuring that their voices and stories are integral to the cultural fabric of our city.

Core Values

We are guided by the following core values:

Artistic Excellence: We are dedicated to showcasing and supporting emerging and established theater that embodies the creativity, innovation, and cultural depth of Latine artists. Our commitment to artistic excellence is reflected in our efforts to elevate Latino theater in Chicago and beyond.

Cultural Diversity: We celebrate and uplift the rich tapestry of Latino cultures, ensuring that our work is inclusive of Indigenous, Black, and multiracial identities within the Latine community. Our programming reflects the diverse voices and experiences that shape our collective identity.

Community Engagement: We actively engage with our community, fostering meaningful partnerships and creating spaces that promote a sense of belonging, ownership, and pride. Our work is rooted in the belief that theater is a powerful tool for connecting and strengthening our community.

Social Responsibility: We harness the transformative power of theater to address pressing social issues, promote dialogue, and inspire more expansive representations of our multicultural identity. We are committed to using our platform to advocate for social justice and equity.

Education and Empowerment: We prioritize education, artistic and professional development, and employment opportunities for Latine theater artists. Through these efforts, we aim to strengthen the growth, sustainability, and visibility of Latino theater in Chicago, empowering artists to thrive in their craft.

Community Engagement: We are deeply committed to fostering dynamic and reciprocal relationships with our community, cultivating meaningful partnerships that contribute to the co-creation of inclusive spaces. These spaces are designed to instill a profound sense of belonging, ownership, and cultural pride. Our work is grounded in the conviction that theater serves as a potent medium for social cohesion, cultural exchange, and the fortification of community bonds