Founded in 1997, the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA), was established to bring the richness of Puerto Rican culture and its arts to its community on the near Northwest side of Chicago. From its humble beginnings in the basement of the home of a volunteer, the PRAA has grown to become a major producer of Puerto Rican arts, sponsoring art exhibits, performances and arts-related educational programs for local residents and schools, as well as other communities beyond the traditional boundaries of the Puerto Rican community of Chicago. More than a vehicle for cultural expression for thousands of Puerto Ricans in Chicago and Midwest, the PRAA has grown to become a source of cultural pride for Puerto Ricans in Chicago and Midwest. Today, the PRAA is a multidisciplinary arts organization dedicated to promoting the richness and great diversity found in the Puerto Rican culture whose origins can be traced back to native Taino Indian, Spanish and West African roots. We strive to present a wide variety of art forms and educational services including music, dance, visual arts, theater and other art forms that are produced by local Puerto Rican talent. The PRAA was founded after hosting a series of community forums to assess the cultural needs of the Humboldt Park area. These forums revealed that this community, which is comprised mainly of people with Puerto Rican heritage, lacked awareness, knowledge, and access to Puerto Rican arts. The PRAA is located on the near northwest side of Chicago, serving a diverse community with 75% Latino, 15 % African American, 5% White and 5% other. Approximately 70% of families living in these communities come from low-income families. During the last seven years, the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance has gained substantial experience in bringing the Puerto Rican culture and traditions to Chicago neighborhoods and has earned a reputation for developing quality programs and events that showcase Puerto Rican artists. A dedicated board of directors, a solid volunteer force and a talented staff makes this work possible.

The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, PRAA, is a community-based organization dedicated to preserving Puerto Rican culture by maintaining traditions, promoting Puerto Rican arts, providing educational opportunities in arts programming, and cultivating pride in Puerto Rican heritage for future generations

Current programs include: ? Cuatro Festival -- This multi-faceted arts education program (the Midwest?s largest Puerto Rican cultural event presented by a nonprofit) culminates each year with a day-long event during Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring performances and workshops for students, teachers, and the general public and an evening showcase of some of the best ?Cuatristas? (Cuatro musicians) from the mainland U.S. and Puerto Rico. ? Cuatro/Guitar Lessons -- This eight-month music program is offered free of charge (including instruments) to low-income participants of all ages. They learn the history of the cuatro--the national instrument of Puerto Rico--and how to read music and play traditional Puerto Rican folk songs. ? The Ta?no Project -- To spread awareness and appreciation of pre-Columbian Ta?no Indian culture and these ancestral roots of Puerto Rican people, this multidisciplinary project engages elementary and high school students and the general public through educational workshops, field trips, lectures, and art exhibits. ? Studio Arts -- This new after-school and summer program, held at PRAA?s Humboldt Park Field House location, allows at-risk youth to explore specific art media in depth, working with professional teaching artists and learning new skills as they produce artwork. ? Three Kings Festival -- This annual event celebrates an important Latin American cultural tradition with art workshops for CPS students, a reenactment of the Three Kings? arrival at the Nativity, music, storytelling, and a traditional holiday meal and gifts for low-income children and families. ? Exhibitions -- PRAA?s exhibitions focus on Puerto Rican history, traditions, and contemporary artists and include gallery talks, school group tours, and teacher workshops to promote engagement and understanding.