There is a demand for accessible events celebrating the rise of La Phoenikera’s culture, but how do we show support? Sometimes we share shit on social media with a rally-cry that gets lost in the ether of 0’s and 1’s.

This month, though, you have three opportunities to voice your opinion on something important to La Phoenikera’s Latinx culture. The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture is holding town hall meetings to inform the public about the possible development of a Latinx cultural institution in our city, and they want to hear from you. You can act on this (insert preferred battle cry for FB post).

Your best bet for being heard is to RSVP first. Then, be prepared. If you wish to speak, make it known through the established system, think it through, write it down, and do the necessary research to be informed about the project.

Be respectful of others’ time and right to be heard, and please let go of preconceived notions!

We put together some questions you can ask while you’re at the town hall meetings, voicing your opinions about Latinx arts and culture, and some recommendations to consider. You have power in those meetings; use it wisely.

Questions

Where would the Cultural center be located?

What is the plan for meaningfully involving the local community in the planning process?

What organizations/corporations are interested in or could be interested in this development?

What will the city do to ensure that the cultural center prioritizes the community’s interests over corporate interests?

What will the city and potential developers do to ensure the project won’t bring gentrification and displacement of the host community?

What are the next steps after this meeting?

Recommendations

Provide a broad, comprehensive, and inclusive definition of Latinxs and Latinx arts and culture. There are other cultural expressions beyond Day of the Dead and Ballet Folkrórico (don’t get us wrong—we love these—but Latinx means more than that).

Make sure to listen to young artists and culture pushers and that they are not drowned out by the local art establishment.

Recommend that beyond town hall meetings, they create a committee made up of members of the potential hosting community. One that includes young, female, and LGBTQ voices. Push the envelope!

Feel the vibe of the meeting; don’t get confrontational. Be critical and respectful. Represent!

Look out for La Phoenikera, its peeps, and the city’s integrity. Push for legal protections of historical buildings/landmarks and spaces the arts community already uses.

Ask to be mindful of and transparent with the community that will be hosting the development. No Shady shit!

Meetings:

Thursday, 4/13, at the Memorial Hall @ Indian Steele Park (300 E. Indian School Rd) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, 4/20, at the Maryvale Community Center (4420 N. 51st Ave.) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, 4/22, at Grant Street Park (701 S. 3rd St. ) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

To RSVP: phoenix.gov/arts/Latinoculturalcenter

For more information: phxlatinoartculture@gmail.com

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