MISSION
The mission of La Plaza is to champion community heritage, strength, and resiliency through the activation of arts and culture as a pathway for community preservation and celebration.
PRIORITIES
Elevate the inherent power, voice, and agency for East Side San José residents.
Build the infrastructure that is needed to meet the organization’s growth trajectory.
Center the staff and board as critical organizational assets.
Build a policy and advocacy agenda that centers art and culture as a path for community preservation.
VISION
Our vision is bold, achievable, and helps guide our work. By 2034 La Plaza will:
Be a proven and recognized catalyst across the region and State for a city-wide cultural district movement, rooted in Eastside San José, amplifying the story of arts and culture in the South Bay.
Establish a replicable model that demonstrates how a cultural district can mitigate gentrification by centering housing and basic needs, small business development, cultural activation, art, and health and mental health resources.
Deepen its demonstrated leadership in the development of arts and cultural programming that provides a creative platform for the arts community.
Be a recognized leader and collaborator in the policy development arena for arts and culture institutions and community spaces.
VALUES
The mission of La Plaza is to champion community heritage, strength, and resiliency through the activation of arts and culture as a pathway for community preservation and celebration.
LEADERSHIP: We believe in shared leadership, valuing both individual and collective contributions from our team and community.
VOICE: We use our platform and influence to ensure the hopes, needs, and concerns of our community are seen and recognized.
CREATIVITY: The arts are transformative, and creativity is the foundation of our humanity.
HERITAGE: Our cultural traditions and collective past experiences inform our present and shape our future.
INCLUSION: A thriving community starts with equitable access to resources. La Plaza is open and welcoming to everyone.
PLACE: More than a location, place represents the vibrancy and potential of East San José. We take pride in activating and celebrating our neighborhoods.
SERVICE: We are committed to serving our community with humility and respect, recognizing that true leadership comes from listening and learning.
JOIN US!
As we implement our strategic plan, we are building a future where arts and culture preserve heritage and empower voices. With the California Arts Council opening applications for state-designated cultural districts, we aim to secure this recognition for La Avenida Cultural District. We invite our community and supporters to join us in this effort.