Phoenix takes another step toward creating a Latino Cultural Center. On Wednesday, a consultant presented a feasibility study to the city’s arts subcommittee.
Based on interviews and surveys, Evonne Gallardo said there’s a desire for a Latino Cultural Center to be downtown with other major facilities. While no specific site was mentioned, money was.
Estimates to rehab an existing building or start from scratch range from $1.8 to $4.5 million. The first three years of operating costs could total $1.2 million. Through the city bond program, Phoenix currently has $1 million available.
While local businesses could be tapped to support a center, Gallardo told subcommittee members there’s also growing interest across the country in equity in the arts and among culturally specific organizations.
“There are many foundations that fund national projects that are working towards that goal,” she said “And I think Phoenix is at a crossroads at the moment where it’s very timely in terms of the demographic shifts that are happening. I think you’d see a lot of national interest in this project.”
Phoenix will form a volunteer advisory group to explore ways a center could be managed and financed. An update is expected in March. The full capital needs assessment and feasibility study can be found here.
