The binational initiative ALMA continues to consolidate its presence as a strategic bridge between Mexico and the United States. Its second program—this time with Chicano, Mexican-American, and Mexican artists residing in the U.S.—resulted in key meetings, institutional agreements, and new pathways for cultural, educational, and community collaboration.
Carlos Rosillo, ALMA collaborator, told the Mexican Press Agency that the program’s central mission is to promote spaces for dialogue and representation that make it possible to build “a more just, balanced, and shared vision spanning both sides of the border.”
For ALMA, culture functions as a strategic mechanism that opens conversations on identity, migration, social justice, and belonging.
During this second visit, ALMA brought together 10 artists from diverse fields—ranging from music and poetry to muralism, dance, and community art—with cultural institutions, government agencies, and independent spaces in Mexico City.
“We want to create sustainable connections between communities in Mexico and the United States. These processes reaffirm our mission to promote mutual understanding and make the role of Mexican and Mexican American communities visible in the cultural and social life of the neighboring country to the north,” Rosillo noted.
One of the most significant meetings took place with Fomento Cultural Banamex, where an unprecedented collaboration agenda in support of migrant artists was established. Rosillo listed the main agreements:
Rosillo emphasized that the artists felt valued from day one, indicating that “ALMA showed them it can be a real bridge to find what they need both in Mexico and in the United States.”
The artists visited Semilleros Creativos, where agreements were reached to share information on artistic residency programs, workshops, and opportunities for collaboration. As part of the follow-up, ALMA will share information with binational creators about the semillero already operating in New York.
At the Centro Cultural El Rule, a concert by The Braided Janes was held, drawing curious onlookers even from neighboring buildings. Agreements were reached with the cultural center to promote virtual workshops on artistic professionalization, cultural management, and project development.
The visit included tours of emblematic spaces, meetings with institutions, and cultural activities, including a performance at Bellas Artes. For some artists, it was their first visit to Mexico City and a reconnection with their roots.
Rosillo explained that these exchanges strengthen ALMA’s mission to promote mutual understanding and support Mexican and Mexican American communities. “We want to continue promoting cultural experiences that reflect identity, migration, belonging, and social justice,” he concluded.
Related: Art Without Borders: Binational Artists Build Bridges Between Mexico and the United States with ALMA
Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
