Twin Cities Latinx Leadership in the Arts: Personal Reflections and Recommendations for Leaders and Advocates in the Arts Sector

Abstract

With the U.S. Latinx population of nearly 20%, businesses, organizations, and government agencies are increasingly interested in connecting with Latinx audiences, and the arts and cultural sphere is no exception. This report recounts the researcher’s experience working with the Latinx Leadership Council in the Twin Cities within the context of a grant. The council members participated in group discussions to identify barriers to access as a Latinx artist. Through this work, three critical themes emerged: code switching and bilingualism, a sense of invisibility and feeling undervalued, and a desire for community and connection. In organized settings, these themes are expressed as language use, articulated dissent, and a collectivistic orientation. Organizations that seek to attract and retain Latinx artists and audiences must consider how these three themes are practiced within internal and external processes and programs and how they have historically excluded and continue to impact Latinx persons.