CALA 2013 Festival seeks art proposals

The CALA Alliance is inviting arts nonprofits to be a part of the 2013 CALA International Festival by submitting Project Partnership proposals by March 2.  

Arts organizations are asked to submit a 2-page summary of ideas for a collaborative project. CALA selection emphasis will be given to ideas that encourage cross-cultural exchanges through productions or exhibitions of artists or art from Mexico, Central and South America. The ideas should also commission new work from Latino artists.  Excellence of the arts presented should be a priority.

Please drop off or mail submissions to: 6617 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 103, Scottsdale, AZ 85250. Any questions about the proposal should be directed to Christine Kaercher at 480.751.5569 or Christine@calaalliance.org . Proposal applicants will be notified of their proposal status on March 29.  

Celebración Artística de las Américas (CALA) was developed as a concept to promote and celebrate Arizona’s rich cultural ties to the Americas. In 2010, it was incorporated as an independent non-profit community-based organization, CALA Alliance.

The CALA Alliance is dedicated to educating and inspiring all Arizonans about our Latino cultural heritagethrough a range of activities including festivals, performances, special events, exhibits, cross-cultural exchanges, and in-school residencies. The organization is also devoted to building respect and appreciation for the Latino cultural community as well as recognizing its impact on the region’s distinctiveness. The Alliance board of directors includes leadership from the Latino, business, political and community sectors.

The projects should take place mid-September 2013 through the first week in November 2013. All arts groups participating in the 2013 CALA Festival will be promoted on the CALA Website, social media channels, and the Festival brochure.  

In 2011, CALA Alliance launched the inaugural CALA International Festival, a collaboration of the most prominent mainstream and Latino arts and cultural organizations in metro Phoenix. From Sept. 14 through Nov. 16, these organizations partnered with each other and with peer organizations in the Americas to showcase the diversity and creativity of Latino arts and culture.

The 2011 Festival was met with enthusiasm from across all markets, including Arizona business and municipal leadership, arts/culture organizations, educators, the media, patrons, and from Arizona’s burgeoning Latino population. It was underwritten by Target with additional support from corporate and private foundation donors. CALA Alliance distributed about $100,000 in funding to participating nonprofits. 

In its inaugural year, CALA has been instrumental in “changing the conversation” from one of controversy and disunity, to one of celebration and recognition of Arizona’s most distinctive and authentic assets. Its ability to attract Latino and mainstream audiences together has been tremendous, and has been met with enthusiasm by all arts organizations seeking new audiences.

“This celebration of the artistic, cultural and historical contributions of Latin America says that our ties with our neighbors to the south are a good thing. That message is welcome, important and very timely.” – said a 2011 Arizona Republic editorial.

CALA Alliance’s continuing goals are to: increase accessibility, build new audiences, encourage new partnerships, and promote and celebrate the richness of Latino cultural offerings.