Founded in 1989 as the result of a broad community mobilization in the City of San Jose and nationwide on behalf of multicultural arts, MACLA promotes a vision of arts programming as a vehicle social equity.

Each year we offer four arts exhibitions (including one that features new work commissioned by MACLA) showcasing artists whose work is rooted in a Latinx aesthetic and history. Our exhibitions include artist talks and public programs that expand upon the themes and issues addressed. Our performance and literary arts tract offers perspectives on contemporary Latinx culture. Our 100-seat Castellano Playhouse provides space for diverse artists and performing arts groups.

As part of the NPN, we offer two artist residencies annually and present national touring professionals. MACLA’s Teen Tech Center (TTC) provides a free, comprehensive arts education dedicated to mentoring Latinx youth, ages 11-19, in 21st-century skill development through multimedia production. These skills, along with college and career readiness, close the inequitable wage and representation gaps in the workforce.