Politics of Art

Latino artists are honored in the Arizona State Legislature

On April 2, for the first time in the history of the state Legislature, Chicano art filled the House.

Latino artists were honored on the floor of the House of Representatives as part of the Latino Caucus celebration of the legacy of the late civil-rights leader Cesar Chavez. 

State Rep. Ben Miranda, a Democrat from District 16, and a member of the legislative Latino Caucus, arranged the presentation.  He was accompanied on the floor by six members of a new organization called ALAC, or Advocates for Latin@ Arts & Culture Consortium Inc.  

The members included visual/performing artists, ErLinda Tórres, ALAC Board President; Carmen de Novais, board member; Jim Covarrubias, board member; Marco Albarran, board member; Martin Moreno, board member; and Zarco Guerrero, artist. Other ALAC board members, artists and advocates joined the presentation from the House gallery.

ALAC was created in June 2007 and incorporated in January 2008. The organization consists of Valley Latino artists, arts organizations and community advocates. The primary vision and mission is to create a Latino Cultural Center. 

“The Latino arts and cultural community in Arizona has a rich history with many valuable contributions. I welcomed this opportunity on behalf of the Latino Caucus to honor their talents and passion at the state Legislature,” Miranda says.

Torres, ALAC board chair, sees the artist coalition’s roles as promoting the benefits of a Latino  center for arts and culture, and to advocate for Latino artists and cultural organizations. For more information, contact Torres at (602) 793-1293 or visit www.alacaz.or