La Peña Cultural Center, Cultural center in Berkeley, United States
La Peña Cultural Center is a cultural center on Shattuck Avenue in South Berkeley that offers arts programs, performances, and community gatherings. The building houses a cafe serving Chilean and Latin American food, making it a hub for various activities throughout the week.
The center was founded in 1975 by Chilean exiles who sought refuge after the 1973 military coup in Chile. Its creation was closely tied to the solidarity movement for Chilean refugees and their supporters.
The center shapes the neighborhood through its ongoing work with Latin American artists and musicians who perform and teach here regularly. Visitors encounter a blend of dance classes, concerts, and art exhibitions that help define the cultural life of the area.
The center is open regularly throughout the week for events, classes, and performances, offering visitors multiple options to explore. It helps to check ahead on what activities are happening, as the program changes seasonally.
The center houses its own musical groups, including the La Peña Choir and the Lab Hip Hop Ensemble, that perform regularly. These groups create a distinctive artistic voice that extends beyond traditional Latin American music.
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