HISPANIC ALLIANCE FOR PERFORMING AND AUDIOVISUAL ARTS
ABOUT US
MISSION & VISION
Hispanic Alliance for the Performing and Audiovisual Arts (HAPAA) is dedicated to empowering artists and the wider community by providing comprehensive training in the performing and audiovisual arts in Spanish. Our mission is to guide individuals towards self-organization, production, and distribution of their creative works, while fostering exploration and innovation in artistic expression.
At HAPAA, we are driven by a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. We recognize the barriers that many individuals from the Latino community face in accessing formal artistic education, whether due to economic constraints, language barriers, or immigration status. Therefore, we prioritize serving those who may encounter such challenges, as well as workers who are unable to adhere to traditional schedules.
Central to our mission is the belief in the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals. HAPAA projects actively promote themes of equality and justice, particularly focusing on marginalized groups within the Latino community, such as the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, women and people of color. By amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights, we strive to create a more equitable and inclusive society.
Through our programs and initiatives, HAPAA seeks to create a supportive and nurturing environment where artists can thrive and grow. We provide training and resources across a spectrum of skills necessary for artistic development, including production techniques, distribution strategies, and exploration of new artistic mediums.
Moreover, HAPAA encourages critical inquiry and exploration, inspiring artists to push boundaries and challenge conventions in their creative pursuits. We facilitate opportunities for research and experimentation, fostering innovation and the development of new artistic techniques and approaches.
In essence, HAPAA is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts community where every individual has the opportunity to realize their creative potential. By providing access to training, resources, and support, we aim to empower artists to express themselves authentically and contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape. Together, we strive to build a more just, equitable, and vibrant society where the arts flourish and all voices are heard.
HISTORY
HAPAA, Hispanic Alliance for Performing and Audiovisual Arts, traces its roots back to 2017 when it emerged as an Independent Theater Group under the name “Chilakill Teatro.” From its inception, the organization embarked on a journey to create thought-provoking and socially relevant theatrical productions. Over the years, HAPAA has evolved into a prominent force in the artistic landscape, catalyzing change and fostering community engagement.
In its formative years HAPAA produced a repertoire of seven compelling plays, including five original works such as “Cama Para Tres,” “Caja de Pandora,” “La Vida es Corta,” “Término Medio,” and “El Sueño.” These productions delved deep into pressing societal issues, confronting topics like immigration, gender violence, and bullying. By incorporating the unique perspective of the Latino community, HAPAA’s performances served as a platform for dialogue and reflection, challenging audiences to reexamine their perceptions and roles within society.
Furthermore, HAPAA demonstrated its versatility and artistic prowess through two adaptations, “The Zoo Story” and “El Principito.” These adaptations not only showcased the organization’s creative adaptability but also underscored its commitment to bridging cultural divides and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
In 2021, HAPAA underwent a transformative phase, expanding its scope and influence within the artistic community. Recognizing the need to nurture emerging talents and engage a broader audience, HAPAA formally conformed as a 501 (c) (3) Non-profit organization . This evolution marked a significant milestone in HAPAA’s journey, signaling its transition into a more inclusive and dynamic entity.
With its newfound identity, HAPAA embarked on a mission to democratize access to the arts, offering training and coaching workshops to aspiring artists and the general public. These initiatives not only provided participants with the necessary tools to hone their craft but also fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment within the artistic community.
Moreover, HAPAA remained steadfast in its commitment to producing high-quality artistic projects that resonated with audiences from diverse backgrounds. By staying true to its core values of authenticity, inclusivity, and social responsibility, the organization continued to push the boundaries of artistic expression, catalyzing conversations and driving positive change within society.
As HAPAA looks towards the future, it remains dedicated to its founding principles of using the performing arts as a vehicle for social transformation and cultural enrichment. Through its innovative productions, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts, HAPAA seeks to inspire, provoke, and unite audiences in pursuit of a more equitable and compassionate world.
HAPAA
Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Hispanic Alliance for Performing and Audiovisual Arts is committed to and accountable for Advancing, Protecting, and Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms.
We embrace individual uniqueness, foster an inclusive culture that supports broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
At Hispanic Alliance for Performing and Audiovisual Arts:
- We will foster and maintain a safe environment of respect and inclusion for our members, staff, audience, and community members.
- We will educate our staff, members, and audience to be advocates for social justice, providing information, settings, and above all, art projects that reflect the diversity of our communities and raise cultural awareness.
- We will ensure fair and inclusive access to our facilities, programs, resources, and services, and ensure that all of our policies and practices are inclusive and equitable.
- We will advance and build our workforce by evaluating hiring practices and performance review procedures to attract, retain, and develop talents and staff from diverse backgrounds.
- We will address disparities between groups in areas such as representation, retention, and results.
This publication is available in alternative media on request.
Hispanic Alliance for Performing and Audiovisual Arts is an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization, and is committed to providing employment opportunities and participation to all qualified applicants or members without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Board of Directors
ALICIA HERNANDEZ
ALEXANDRO MARTINEZ
PORFIRIO MARTINEZ
Hispanic Alliance for Performing and Audiovisual Arts Inc
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
8600 Westpark Dr STE 116, Houston, TX 77063
CAROL THEATER
8600 Westpark Dr STE 116, Houston, TX 77063
Email: contact@hapaa.org
Phone: 832-431-9823