HISPANIC ALLIANCE FOR PERFORMING AND AUDIOVISUAL ARTS
ABOUT US
MISSION & VISION
At the Hispanic Alliance for the Performing and Audiovisual Arts (HAPAA), we believe that art not only transforms individuals, but entire communities. Our mission is to empower artists and communities—especially those traditionally marginalized—through comprehensive training in the performing and audiovisual arts in Spanish.
We are driven by the conviction that everyone deserves access to the arts, regardless of background, language, immigration status, or economic condition. That’s why HAPAA prioritizes access for those who face structural barriers, including working-class individuals with non-traditional schedules, women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, and Latino artists seeking to carve their path in a system that often excludes them.
Our work is grounded in three core pillars: training, creation, and transformation. We provide safe and accessible spaces where artists can learn, experiment, produce, and share their own narratives—developing not only technical skills but also critical thinking, autonomy, and creative leadership.
We foster exploration, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to amplify voices that challenge stereotypes, question injustice, and imagine new possibilities. We believe in art as a tool for social justice, as a bridge between cultures, and as a living force that shapes identity and resistance.
In essence, HAPAA doesn’t just train artists: we build community, drive change, and cultivate the future through the collective power of art. Our vision is clear: a world where every person has the opportunity to express their truth, be heard, and contribute their story to a more just, diverse, and vibrant cultural landscape.
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
To request information, contact or send correspondence to:
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