Characterizing the Field

A study of Latinx/é arts and culture organizations

This brief examines the post-COVID landscape of Latinx/é arts and culture organizations

June 2026

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Table of Contents

Overview

Ideas In Practice

Publisher(s)
The Wallace Foundation

Page Count 2 pages

DOI Link
https://doi.org/10.59656/A-AO8889.001

Summary

How we did this

Four hundred and thirty-nine organizations founded by, led by, and/or serving Latinx/é people across the United States and Puerto Rico responded to a survey conducted by researchers from NORC at the University of Chicago and the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC).

Since its inception, the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC) has worked at the forefront of documenting the Latinx/é arts and culture field. Building on a 2019 report by the organization, which provided a picture of the Latinx/é arts and culture landscape, this new research provides a timely baseline of post-2020 realities of Latinx/é organizational capacity, programs, finances, and sustainability.

Through this work, the research team has created a resource toolkit, and website to equip arts and cultural leaders to shape the future of their organizations and the broader cultural landscape. The study also identifies opportunities for funders, policymakers, and arts advocates to bolster the work of Latinx/é organizations.

This brief is based on A Mirror and a Map: Reflecting Organizational Realities and Navigating Change among Latinx/é Arts and Culture Organizations by Mitchell R. Barrows, Gwendolyn Rugg, Ryan Buechel, Jill Gandhi, and Michał Dzitko from NORC at University of Chicago.

Funders, advocates, and policymakers can use this report to better understand the needs of Latinx/é arts and culture organizations. It can help guide strategies to strengthen infrastructure, expand opportunities, and honor cultural vitality.