La Pena Cultural Center

La Pena (gathering place) is a nonprofit community cultural center based in Berkeley, California where people can experience art and culture from Latin America and from around the world and where community groups involved in both domestic and international issues can organize cultural and educational programs to foster respect and understanding among the diverse peoples of the world. Our mission is to present cultural and educational programs that increase understanding of different cultures and support efforts to build a more just society; operate a multi-use cultural center/community gathering place where people of all races and cultures can share the rich and diverse heritages of the Americas and learn about cultural, political, and social conditions in Latin America, the U.S., and around the world; support the work of community organizations that are active in international and domestic social justice issues; and encourage the development of different art forms for all disciplines, keeping alive cultural roots that foster a better vision for the future. In addition to our public events, La Pena offers classes in music and houses Cafe Valparaiso which offers a Latin American menu and beverages, and provides a "second stage" for more intimate cultural gatherings. This profile courtesy of Arts & Democracy.