MISSION
To celebrate, nurture, and preserve Latino arts and cultures.
HISTORY
Arte Américas was founded in 1987 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by Nancy Márquez, F. John Sierra, and Lilia Gonzáles Chávez, who sought to create a space dedicated to the rich tapestry of Latinx arts and cultures that were largely overlooked by local art institutions of the time.
OUR BUILDING
At first, Arte Américas operated out of a store front office at the Warnors Theater in Downtown Fresno. In 1995, with funds obtained through a Community Block Development Grant from the City of Fresno, Arte purchased its current building on Van Ness Ave from Bank of America.
The building was originally the residence of Frank H. and Nellie C. Short built in 1910. Mr. Short was a lawyer specializing in corporate and water law (In those years Fresno was a growing agricultural community of 10,000). The Short family was well known for their support to the arts and culture and, prior to their deaths in the 1920s, their will specified that the property be used by the City as an art gallery, concert, lecture hall and reading room. Instead, the property was sold to Southern Baptist Church. In 1954, it became the property of I. Magnin, and in 1975 the property was sold to Bank of America and used as administrative offices. It wasn’t until 1995 that the property became Arte Américas. The Ruiz Family, founders of Ruiz Foods, Inc., provided a major donation to help begin the remodeling efforts that transformed the space and created our gallery spaces. Arte’s beautiful outdoor Plaza was developed with public and private funding over the years 1998 to present.
EXCITING CHANGES AT ARTE!
In 2023, Arte was awarded a one-time, game-changing seven million dollars from the state budget to invest in professional staff and improve Arte’s historic building’s most urgent needs. After one year of repairs of our main infrastructure including restoring electricity and HVAC to the building, Arte Américas is thrilled to announce a major remodeling of our 18,000 sq ft cultural arts center. This significant project will enhance our facility, providing more functional galleries, performance areas, an expanded gift shop, meeting, and classroom spaces. These improvements reflect our unwavering commitment to fostering arts enrichment and creating valley-wide opportunities for artists and art lovers alike to call home.
This renovation aligns closely with our core values and passion for Latinx representation, making it a truly exciting and revitalizing venture for our community. We believe it will not only enhance our ability to serve our community but also make it easier for everyone to enjoy Arte. The new spaces will offer a platform for artistic expression, community engagement, and more educational opportunities.
We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our city, valley, and beyond. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward with this transformative project.
Phase 1 of construction will utilize $4million in state funds to prioritize basic accessibility, safety, and within 60% of our 119 year old building. Construction will begin in the summer of 2026.
Phase 2 of this renovation will allow us to finally use 100% of our 119 year old building; it will begin after a $6million capital campaign which will also launch in the summer of 2026.