About CHICA

In recent years Centro Hispano has witnessed the need for accessible, community-focused arts in the community.   Too many arts initiatives are based in affluent communities and present content that does not speak to the Latino community.  To meet this need Centro Hispano has begun to offer a variety of arts programs.

One such program is La Peña music series, a sort of family centered “open mic” that offers regular performance space to Latino artists and entertainment to families.  We have also opened our doors to the Music Makers program, which has given children of color on the south side access to the beautiful world of classical violin.  Through our ComVida program for disconnected teens we have collaborated with community based arts groups Son Mudanza, Dignidad Sin Fronteras, Capoera Angola and nationally renowned poet Jimmie Santiago to provide youth with a positive alternative to destructive behaviors.  Also, in the fall of 2008 Centro Hispano also began offering music classes for adults in Spanish including percussion, guitar and voice in collaboration with UW Continuing Education.

In January 2009 we decided to formalize our efforts through the founding of the Centro Hispano Institute for the Cultural Arts (CHICA).   CHICA will put these efforts under one umbrella to ensure their sustainability and to expand and develop new programs.  CHICA is coordinated by Centro Hispano’s Deputy Director, Kenneth Craig.  Mr. Craig holds a Master of Music Performance in percussion from the University of Michigan and is an active percussion performer and music educator in the Madison area.