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The National Museum of Mexican Art’s Rich History and Vibrant Future
The National Museum of Mexican Art’s Rich History and Vibrant Future
Across the world, art captures and contributes to the vibrant, unique nature of people and cultures. Chicago’s own National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) puts this very notion on full display, stimulating knowledge and appreciation of Mexican art from both sides of the border.
Serving as a cultural staple of the Pilsen neighborhood since 1987, NMMA was founded by Chicago Public Schools educators who wanted a space dedicated to giving Mexican art and culture the recognition it deserves. Over the past 35 years, NMMA has blossomed into a global landmark for Mexican art and has established itself as a national leader in bilingual arts education. In Chicago in particular, NMMA strengthens the city’s artistic and cultural diversity while illuminating the impact that the history and culture of Mexico has had locally.
As the U.S.’s only accredited museum dedicated to Mexican art and culture, NMMA offers a robust range of programs. Throughout each year, NMMA hosts seven exhibitions to expand public knowledge of and appreciation for Mexican art. Its permanent collection boasts over 18,000 pieces — all maintained, preserved, and acquired by NMMA’s dedicated staff. Additionally, NMMA has hosted the Sor Juana Festival, an annual performing arts festival that showcases diverse artists and performers from across the U.S. and Mexico, for over 25 years.
Due to its roots in education, NMMA is passionate about enriching the lives of community youth. Annually, its arts education programming reaches over 50,000 K-12 students across the city via the museum, schools, and other community connection points. Further, NMMA’s Yollocalli Arts Reach after-school program provides a haven for over 300 local youth aged 13-24, offering unique learning opportunities centered around art, history, new media arts, and journalism. Yollocalli Arts Reach has the distinction of being the only program in the country to receive two National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards.
“Yollocalli Arts Reach is an anchor in the Little Village neighborhood, providing a safe space for hundreds of Little Village youth and improving quality of life for the entire community through partner projects like the Little Village Garden Project,” said NMMA Director of Education/Yollocalli Vanessa Sanchez. “And through the Arte for All campaign, Yollocalli will expand to new sites and reach more students.”
To expand the reach of this important program, Wintrust has committed to supporting the Yollocalli Arts Reach program over the next five years to help NMMA reach its goal of doubling the number of students served.
“Wintrust is a financial anchor for businesses throughout Chicago and beyond,” said Wintrust Senior Vice President Carlos Cardenas. “NMMA serves as an anchor for the Mexican community in Chicago and beyond by creating a platform for Mexican voices and perspectives.”
As two community-oriented organizations making a difference throughout Chicagoland, the partnership between Wintrust and NMMA is a natural fit — and one that has only been strengthened thanks to the dual involvement of Cardenas, who serves on the NMMA board.
“Just as Wintrust provides an alternative to big banks, NMMA provides an alternative to large museums,” Cardenas continued. “Through its support of community organizations, Wintrust provides long-term impact to the wellbeing of Chicago residents. Through its arts education programs, NMMA creates long-term impact for youth, families, and educators.”
While Hispanic Heritage Month provides a valuable opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Mexican artists and appreciate Mexican culture, it’s crucial that we do so year-round. Looking to the future, NMMA strives to educate an even broader audience than it already does.
“Mexicans make up only half of NMMA’s visitors,” said NMMA President and Founder Carlos Tortolero. “Throughout its history, NMMA has reached a broad audience, serving as a mirror to the Mexican community so that we see ourselves and our culture represented in a nationally recognized museum, and a window for non-Mexicans into the beauty and complexity of Mexican art and identity.”
To learn more about NMMA and its mission, visit nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.
