La Peña is celebrating 46 years! Throughout the pandemic, our communities have been so resilient and prioritizing each other’s safety. Now that vaccines are more available, we are excited to announce that we’re preparing to reopen in a limited capacity in September with proper COVID-19 safety protocols and equipment set in place. Stay tuned for reopening details in upcoming newsletters (sign up here)!
We plan to present programs that will have both in-person and online components so that everyone can participate in the safest way possible.
Sneak peak of the Batey Boricua Community Jam performance and interviews – broadcast coming this summer! 
Sneak peak of the Fandango Jarocho Community Jam performance and interviews – broadcast coming this summer!
With your continuous support over the past year we have undergone extensive behind the scenes work and we are becoming a more resilient organization.
What We’ve Done Thanks To Your Support
We piloted new programming models
We piloted online classes for kids, digital town halls, an online September 11, 1973 Memorial & Día De Muertos, our first hybrid event! This will allow us to have long-term sustainable programs in the future.
We increased our staff capacity
Hiring new staff has allowed us to make improvements to our website and other communication channels, as well as being more responsive to community questions and feedback.
We supported artists
We connected artists with COVID-19 relief grants & artistic project grants. We also provided paid opportunities for artists, created a free artist listing & regularly promote featured artists on our plaforms.
Image credit: Obrayan Calderón
We advocated for racial & cultural equity
We have uplifted social justice movements through our communications platforms. We have also partnered with the city, foundations and artists to bridge equity gaps in philanthropy.
Image credit: Wall of Money
We prepared for building renovations
We have been working to address the deferred maintenance in the building which will be broken up into phases. We are also preparing for reopening safely with improved ventilation.
We updated our mission statement
Our new Mission Statement is the culmination of more than a year’s work, incorporating feedback from the community, board members, staff members and consultants.
As you can see, there’s much to celebrate for our 46th Anniversary – and with your support, there’s even more to look forward to!
Here’s How You Can Support Us Now
We are excited to reopen in the safest way possible this fall and to continue to build out the infrastructure we need to be the organization our communities can depend on, but we can’t do this without your support!
We are launching our 46th Year Anniversary Campaign with a goal of $20,000, which we need to raise by August 31, 2021.
Here are 4 ways you can help us reach this goal:
1. Donate Directly
Donate directly on our website.
2. Start a Facebook fundraiser for La Peña
Just click here!
3. Share this campaign with your friends
Share this link: https://lapena.org/46years/
4. Become a “Friend of La Peña”
Friends of La Peña are our sustained monthly donors! Visit Lapena.org/Friends to learn more.
Donate any amount during this campaign and you’ll be automatically entered into a drawing to win prizes!
Thank you for your support during these challenging yet inspiring times!
In solidarity and gratitude,
The LP Team
La Peña is excited to offer three online classes for kids in March 2021! Classes will be held in a combination of English and Spanish. Each 4-week class series requires separate registration.