Community Survey Kicks Off Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Master Planning Process

Photo: Facebook / Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

SAN ANTONIO – The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center (The Guadalupe) is beginning a master planning process that will define the organization, its footprint, and its impact on the surrounding West Side for decades. Known for preserving and growing authentic Chicano art and culture in San Antonio, The Guadalupe is anchored by the Guadalupe Theater and Latino Bookstore & Gift Shop as well as annual events like the Tejano Conjunto Festival and CineFestival. Patrons come from across San Antonio to attend productions, events, exhibits, and classes. In recent years, The Guadalupe has also become a national and international destination with 20% of visitors outside San Antonio.

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“This is the first time in our 43-year history that we are embarking on a master plan to define the future of The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and the effect we’ll have on San Antonio and the surrounding West Side,” said Cristina Ballí, executive director of The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. “When people think of the art and culture that makes San Antonio, they think of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. So, we need to proactively look at who we are in the community, how we are growing, and what the people of San Antonio need from us.”

The community is invited to give input on their vision for The Guadalupe through a 10-15-minute survey available in English and Spanish: HERE. Surveys must be completed by June 23rd.

The Guadalupe is the epicenter of the cultural district El Mero Weso, so the top of mind will be balancing local community needs while amplifying and preserving West Side culture. This requires a thoughtful process to identify lasting implications.

Included in the planning process will be nine properties in and around The Guadalupe including the Academy & Galeria Guadalupe, the old Bakery Building, Guadalupanita Patio and Cafe, Guadalupe Theater, Progreso Pharmacy Building, La Casita, and Cesar Chavez Building as part of the community engagement work.

OTJ Architects led by Gary Martinez has been retained to lead the planning process. OTJ is a world-class architecture firm that specializes in arts and culture. They are familiar with San Antonio architecture and culture, having worked at the Alameda Theater and Sunken Garden Theater.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is also working with Arts Consulting Group (ACG) to gather feedback from community members, artists, partners, and supporters of the Guadalupe, as part of the community engagement work.

“For us, as artists, OTJ Architects, and ACG spoke a similar language in terms of what The Guadalupe’s needs are for the performing arts,” added Ballí. “The Guadalupe is known for presenting the most authentic Chicano (Latino/Latina) art and culture in San Antonio. The spirit and programming will not change. We will continue to have programming presented by and for working-class communities of SA.”

To ensure the best possible outcome, the planning process will also include focus groups with parents from Guadalupe’s Academy, members of the business community, key stakeholders, actors, instructors, artists, and authors. This process is expected to last approximately six months and will be followed by a capital campaign to make the plan a reality. The amount that needs to be raised for the capital campaign will be determined by the master plan.

The Guadalupe Theater renovations will begin in 2024 with a $3.5 million grant from the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Board.

The Guadalupe invites you to enjoy continued programming and events during the master planning process. Up next is the 44th annual CineFestival July 12-16, 2023. Learn more at www.guadalupeculturalarts.org.

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