Your Gift to PRAA Makes a Difference!
Dear Friends of PRAA,
Whether you serve as a volunteer, attended an event, or were part of our donor community we appreciate you standing with us! Our educational programs, exhibitions, performances and events remain because of your participation and investments in helping us continue our mission.
This year marks 26 years that the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA) has evolved from a humble organization into a thriving pillar of arts and culture for more than 30,000 annually in the City of Chicago. WE have been steadfastly committed to nurturing the growth of artists and musicians both locally and internationally while also leading our students to discover their own artistic talents. Our school arts programs now encompass 10 Chicago Public Schools across the city.
So far, our year has been nothing short of extraordinary. Noche Caribeña, conducted in partnership with Navy Pier, drew over a twelve hundred participants uniting countless salsa enthusiasts. The Desde Mi Barrio and Baila Conmigo concert series offered local artists a platform to share their talents and the community access to live culturally rich music. The PRAA Center gallery now features Persistence|Persistencia: The Lion's Roar in the Puerto Rican Arts that examines the migration of Puerto Rican artists to Chicago with the purpose of continuing their arts education and studio training at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Persistece|Persistencia shows a selection of 15 artists representing decades (1930s to 2010) of Puerto Rican artists making a statement of national identity and perseverance.
The 26th Annual National Cuatro Festival is just on the horizon. This year, PRAA will present "La Magia del Cuatro y Güiro" (The Magic of the Cuatro and Güiro). This unique concert will highlight the enchanting sounds of Puerto Rico’s cuatro music while also showcasing the güiro, a traditional percussion instrument integral to various Latin American music styles, particularly Puerto Rican folk genres like plena and salsa. Additionally, the festival will include a spectacular performance by Luis Sanz, one of Puerto Rico’s esteemed Cuatristas. Accompanied by his band, which includes the return of guitarist and vocalist Lisvette Sanz, Luis Sanz will deliver a dynamic fusion of contemporary and traditional cuatro music.
We ask that you take a moment, TODAY, to make a donation to PRAA so that we can continue to offer these and many more culturally rich activities in the coming year.The success, growth and impact that PRAA has had over the last 26 years would not have been possible without the generous donations from individuals like you. Together, we can continue our mission and use the arts a means to “unite people through culture” while developing the musicians and artists of tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Ignacio Lopez, Ed.D, Executive Director