National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures

08/25/2026

🏆 Congratulations to NLI Alum Lizette Cruz Watko on being selected for a 2026 Raleigh Medal of Arts Award.

Lizette Cruz Watko is a cultural leader, entrepreneur, media pioneer, and advocate whose work has advanced Latino arts and culture in North Carolina for more than thirty years. As founder of the Diamante Arts & Cultural Ctr. , she has created opportunities for Latino artists, cultural practitioners, and emerging leaders while fostering greater appreciation for Latino heritage and contributions.

The City of Raleigh Arts Commission will present twelve of the City’s highest honors in the arts at the 2026 Raleigh Medal of Arts Awards Ceremony on October 19, 2026.

🎟️ Tickets to attend the ceremony are free and will be available on Eventbrite beginning August 26 at 10:30 a.m.

🔗Click the link in our bio to read the announcement and learn more.

08/19/2026

📍A new historical marker honoring the Karankawa people’s ties to Corpus Christi Bay was unveiled at Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge on July 25, 2026. The Texas Historical Commission unveiled the marker, intended to recognize, honor and help correct the historical record surrounding the Karankawa people while highlighting their enduring presence in the Coastal Bend.

The previous marker contained incorrect and long-discredited claims about the Karankawa people. Adán Medrano, whose 2021 film, Truly Texas Mexican, highlighted the discrepancies and spearheaded the fight to update the marker for a more accurate representation, was on site for the unveiling.

It's not often that a film has an impact past the box office, but one documentary has helped tell the truth about the Texas Gulf Coast's long-disparaged Karankawa people.

08/13/2026

✨Now on View! Teaching Artist, Printmaker and 2025 NALAC Catalyst for Change Fellow Eric J. García’s latest mural titled, “Since 1776…” is now on view as part of the Frederick Hammersley Visiting Artist Program at the Albuquerque Museum.

The mural featuring depictions of both the tragic Greek myth of Prometheus and Lady Liberty is on view now through Summer 2027.

🔗 Click the link in our bio to see photos of the mural and learn more.

Image: Eric J. García, “Since 1776…,” acrylic and oil-based acrylic paint. Sourced from City of Albuquerque, Albuquerque Museum.

08/10/2026

✨2026 NLI Alum Daniel Egusquiza shared his experience attending this year’s NLI with Berks Weekly , highlighting the Institute as more than a space for leadership development and professional learning, but also a meaningful opportunity for cultural and community exchange where Latinx/é backgrounds, experiences, and voices are centered and celebrated. 

❤️Thank you, Daniel, for sharing your experience, and welcome to the Nalaquerx family. 

🔗Click the link in our bio to read the article.

08/05/2026

✨NALAC was excited to welcome Chef Kaius for the 2026 NLI. masterfully crafted a very special menu for this year’s NLI, combining Southern comfort dishes with TexMex flair, honoring and celebrating the unique flavors of these cultures and communities.

❤️ A very special thank you to Chef Kaius and team for creating a beautiful, delicious, and memorable dining experience for our 2026 NLI Fellows, staff, faculty, and guests.

08/01/2026

✨This past week at the NALAC team stopped by to show our support for NALAC Board Member, friend, and project director of the ‘Am I Next?’ campaign, Lucas Rivera.

The ‘Am I Next?’ campaign—which began as a response to targeted immigration raids—has grown into a larger movement. Through projections and billboards, the campaign uses public art and visual storytelling to bring real faces, experiences, and truths into public view.

👉🏽Follow the Am I Next? movement to learn more.

07/31/2026

concluded with a day of inspiring speakers and meaningful conversations about the current moment in our country and ways to navigate paths forward. Highlights included the Latinas Luncheon, featuring an empowering message from Rep. Gina Hinojosa , and the Annual Awards Gala, where remarkable leaders were honored for driving change in national communications, youth-led advocacy, immigration, and more.

UnidosUS United We Dream Rep. Joaquin Castro

07/31/2026

07/30/2026

✨NALAC is on site this week at joining conversations with national leaders, advocates, and changemakers committed to advancing policies that impact and strengthen Latinx/é communities and organizations across sectors.

UNIDOS26 has featured speakers including James Talarico , Greg Casar , Governor JB Pritzker , and incredible performances from acclaimed Latinx/é artists
Gina Chávez The Mariachi Brothers 🇲🇽 Los Texmaniacs and Bobby Pulido

07/27/2026

✨NLI Fact: This dynamic trio is the NALAC Programs Team! They help craft the NLI experience from start to finish. Their thoughtful planning and attention to every detail help create meaningful and memorable moments for every NLI Fellow, faculty member, and NALAC staff participant.

❤️Thank you for all that you do. ¡Mucho, mucho amor!

Left to Right: NALAC Programs Manager Armani Martinez, NALAC Programs Associate River Kiefer, and NALAC Director of Programs Cat Rodríguez; honorable mention: NLI Support Fellow ChiChi Rodríguez🐾