About the Nonprofit
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Mission
The Museum of Latin American Art expands knowledge and appreciation of modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art through its Collection, ground-breaking Exhibitions, stimulating Educational Programs, and engaging Cultural Events.
About / History
The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is committed to expanding knowledge and appreciation of modern and contemporary Latin American and Latinx art through its collection, groundbreaking exhibitions, stimulating educational programs, and engaging cultural events. MOLAA’s multifaceted programming advances the rich artistic legacy of the Latin American diaspora’s historically underrepresented artists and their impact on modern society.
MOLAA is located in Long Beach, CA, a diverse and culturally rich city where 43% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latinx. The Museum draws over 65,000 visitors onsite and almost 50,000 online visitors annually, including more than 10,000 youth and 1,200 members. Audiences include Southern California museumgoers, K-12 school populations, local college students and faculty, Long Beach residents, domestic and international tourists, and global art enthusiasts via online learning resources. Currently, the Museum operates on an annual budget of $3.8 million with a staff of 36 and over 43 active volunteers, docents, and interns.
MOLAA is the only museum in the United States solely dedicated to the exhibition and research of national and international, modern and contemporary Latin American, Latinx artists. As such, MOLAA is constantly working to serve as a representative of all Latin American countries and their diverse heritages in the larger Los Angeles County landscape. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey, 48.6% of the Los Angeles County population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. Through art, education, community outreach, and education programs, MOLAA creates an inclusive environment for all Latin American communities and perspectives in the County, including (but not limited to): Afro-Latinx, Asian-Latinx, Pacific Islander-Latinx, Chicanx, Indigenous, and more. Knowing that Los Angeles County is home to one of the country’s largest Hispanic and Latinx-identifying populations illustrates how vital MOLAA’s role is as a bridge that connects Latin American and Latinx culture with residents of Los Angeles County.
MOLAA’s arts and cultural activities create a platform for cross-cultural dialogue by educating visitors about the rich artistic heritage of Latin America and Latinx and its relevance to today’s cultural experiences. The Museum works to help individuals better understand and appreciate cultural diversity while also partnering with schools to ensure that the role of the humanities in education is not neglected. MOLAA is committed to being a leader and visionary as a 21st-century museum dedicated to strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusiveness; expanding public accessibility; and embracing innovation and creativity as it fulfills its mission.