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About Us
After a wave of youth violence in Santa Maria in 2015, Latinx students from several organizations called for a cultural and creative arts center that would uplift community voices and celebrate Latinx contributions. When local leadership did not respond, a diverse thirteen-member Development Committee was formed to design the mission, vision, and foundation of the center. Their work led to the creation of Corazón del Pueblo, officially known as the Cultural and Creative Arts Center of the Santa Maria Valley. On June 6, 2019, the organization received its 501c3 status and now partners with community leaders to elevate diverse arts in the region.
What We Do
Corazon Youth Internship
Corazón del Pueblo’s Youth Arts & Culture Internship empowers Indigenous migrant high school students through mentorship, creative projects, and community engagement. Weekly sessions begin October 18 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30–5:00 PM.
Harvesting Cultural Creativity
Harvesting Cultural Creativity is a November–December program where Indigenous migrant youth and parents create art together at Santa Maria’s cultural arts hub. It offers families a space to connect through creativity and joy while receiving holiday support through a collective gift.
Nuestra Lotería Project
In collaboration with the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, Corazón del Pueblo, and Ethnic and Gender Studies (EGS) educators, this powerful community-center art project brings together students from Santa Maria and Ernest Righetti High School to reimagine the traditional Mexican game of Loteria through a decolonized lens.
Indigenous Youth Institute of the Arts
The Indigenous Youth Leadership Institute for Arts and Culture is a summer camp by Corazón del Pueblo that empowers Indigenous migrant youth through ancestral creativity. Serving 25 students ages 14–19, including farm-working youth, it fosters healing, leadership, and connection to culture and community.
Get in Touch with Us
120 E Jones St, Santa Maria, CA 93454 Suite 120
