ArteLatAm celebrates 10 years
Founded in 2016 by Carlos Torres Machado and Sylvia Mata, the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary backed by M/WBE government certifications, a community-driven approach to inclusion, and a robust interdisciplinary team.
Decennial milestones
NEW YORK. – With the firm purpose of breaking geographical and cultural barriers, ArteLatAm officially commemorates its 10th anniversary (2016-2026). What began a decade ago in New York City as a vision focused on organizing exhibitions and connecting Latin American artists with the United States has evolved into a robust, bilingual organization (English and Spanish) with government, corporate, and community reach.
Over the past ten years, the institution’s trajectory has matured profoundly. ArteLatAm has grown beyond its role as a visibility bridge to transform into an entity with proven successful public sector experience. This strategic expansion is formally backed by its certifications as a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE Certified) in New York City, New York State, and New Jersey, positioning the organization as a premier cultural partner across the tri-state area.
Community impact
The heart of the organization beats through the ArteLatAm Collective and a robust team of professionals that goes beyond traditional visual arts, integrating top-tier artists, curators, designers, and architects. This multidisciplinary diversity has allowed the institution to pioneer ambitious public art projects and large-scale sculptures, bringing Latin American identity directly into New York’s iconic urban spaces and public parks.
True to its community-driven approach, ArteLatAm grounds every initiative in the core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). This philosophy shines brightly in the educational sector, where through strategic alliances with the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE), the organization implements arts education workshops in public schools, empowering children and youth in multicultural environments.
Shared vision
“Ten years ago, we started this journey with one simple idea… using art to connect people, cultures, and communities. And honestly, we never imagined how far it would go,” reflects Sylvia Mata, co-founder of the organization. “Every mural, every school workshop, and every public intervention has a human story behind it. That is the most beautiful part of ArteLatAm: our people and the living collective we have become.”
Carlos Torres Machado, co-founder, emphasizes the strength of the team and the gaze toward the future: “What started as a dream to connect creators is today a platform where architects, designers, curators, and artists unite forces to shape public spaces and education. Beyond creating art, we have built opportunities and spaces where Latin American creativity can grow without limits. These ten years have been full of challenges, but we are only getting started.”
Extended celebration
To celebrate this monumental institutional milestone, ArteLatAm will deploy a special agenda throughout the entire month of June. This includes the launch of a commemorative audiovisual campaign under the slogan “10th years anniversary” (#ArteLatAm10), recapping the organization’s peak moments through the voices of its protagonists.
The institution extends its deepest gratitude to its collective network, sponsors, public sector government entities, allied brands, and the entire community that has believed in its vision to build a future where Latin American art occupies a position of international leadership.
