Palenke Arts was founded in 2015 by a committed group of artists, educators and community members who recognized the urgent need for multicultural arts, music programs and events focusing on youth. Their mission is to educate and inspire the community through the arts. Their vision is to create a vibrant and inclusive multicultural arts center in the City of Seaside, offering courses and performances in a multitude of art forms.

Under the fiscal sponsorship of the Action Council of Monterey County, Palenke Arts started offering classes and events at their site within the Martin Luther King School of the Arts campus in October of 2016. On July 15, 2019 they filed for 501c3 tax exempt status as a nonprofit corporation to the IRS.

Palenke Arts provides a space that does not exist elsewhere in Seaside. It is a dedicated multicultural arts center offering free and low cost, arts-based classes and events to many families who would not traditionally be able to afford them. They aim to address the issue of inequity in the arts with culturally relevant offerings that are accessible for everyone.

Each year, they offer weekly classes in beginning orchestra, beginning band, choral singing, Latin jazz, hip hop dance, visual arts, Afro Cuban drumming, West African drumming, piano, guitar, violin, cinematic arts, audio production, and Latin dance. They hosted summer art camps for local students; held monthly community events and performances including a World music series featuring performers from Morocco, Veracruz, Oaxaca (Mexico), Japan, Nicaragua, Spain and the United States; as well as the annual Palenke Arts Festival, a free outdoor event featuring professional and touring bands as well as student ensembles, family art activities, and local nonprofits assisted by over 40 volunteers.

Palenke Arts is a sanctuary for thoughtful, joyful adults and children who demonstrate the goal of healing, vibrant, thriving communities through the Arts.

Website: https://www.palenkearts.com/

Please give generously to this worthy organization.