Who We Are
About ACLA
Empowering Latino Arts and Culture in the Texas Panhandle
Mission
Our Mission
To provide safe space for the arts community to expose, promote, and work towards their goals in the arts.
We pursue this mission by:
- — Providing scholarships and financial support to Latino artists
- — Creating platforms for performances, exhibitions, and artistic expression
- — Fostering community engagement through cultural events
- — Building bridges between artists and audiences
- — Preserving and promoting Latino cultural traditions
Vision
Our Vision
To establish the Texas Panhandle as a vibrant hub for Latino arts where:
- — Artists have access to resources and opportunities
- — Latino culture is celebrated and respected
- — Diverse communities come together through art
- — Future generations inherit a rich cultural legacy
- — Artistic excellence is nurtured and supported
History
Our Story
Founded in 2023 in response to the need for greater visibility and support for Latino artists in Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle, ACLA emerged from the vision of community leaders, artists, and cultural advocates who recognized the rich creative heritage of our region.
Since our founding, we have been committed to creating meaningful opportunities for artists to expose their work, promote their talent, and work toward their goals — regardless of background or budget.
Through our flagship Day of the Dead Festival, the 806.art community platform, and ongoing artist support programs, ACLA has grown into a trusted cultural institution in the Texas Panhandle — recognized as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity since 2024.
262+
Artists Spotlighted
Featured through ACLA programming, 806.art, and festival showcases
2,800+
Festival Attendees
At the 2025 Day of the Dead Festival alone
3
Annual Festivals
Day of the Dead Festival held every year since our founding in 2023
What We Do
Our Programs
806.art
806.art is an official community platform of ACLA — Amarillo Council for the Latino Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the arts in Amarillo, TX. Built and maintained by ACLA, the platform gives local artists a free public profile at 806.art/username, a searchable community directory, a media gallery, and a dedicated online presence — at no cost to the artist. A community newsletter, also operated by ACLA, highlights local arts events and spotlights artists on a regular basis. The platform is sustained through community fundraising and the Funders Club, in keeping with ACLA's mission to make arts access free and equitable for everyone in the 806.
Visit 806.artDay of the Dead Festival
ACLA's flagship annual free public event and one of the Texas Panhandle's largest cultural celebrations. Launched in 2023, the festival honors Día de Muertos through live music, visual arts exhibitions, community altar displays, hands-on cultural workshops, a Catrina costume contest, children's programming, and immersive art installations — welcoming over 2,800 attendees in 2025.
Visit dodfest.comLeadership
Directive Board
Sal Rodriguez
Karen Muñoz
Javier Chaparro
Join Us in Supporting Latino Arts
Whether you're an artist, patron, or community member, there are many ways to get involved.