Abou the Non-profit

The Latin American Folk Institute (LAFI), a non-profit organization incorporated in the District of Columbia, was founded in 1997 as a center to promote, study and develop Latin American arts and culture by examining the folkloric traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean. As cultural workers ourselves, we believe that only through the comprehensive study of the roots of folk-life can one appreciate the richness and depth of the contributions of the peoples of Latin America to global culture. LAFI aims therefore to promote a better and deeper understanding of Latin American cultures, highlighting contributions that emphasize traditional and folkloric musical forms.

Most notable milestones

From its inception, LAFI has been an active participant in the arts community of the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. LAFI has participated in numerous folk festivals such as the Baltimore International Rhythm Festival , the Smithsonian Institution's 150th Anniversary celebration, and the Folklife Festival. LAFI has also been instrumental in bringing renowned Latin American artists such as the Guateque Folkloric Ballet of Puerto Rico, the all-women Cuban string ensemble Camerata Romeu, and the traditional Cuban son group Familia Valera-Miranda to the Washington DC area.

LAFI also has developed strong connections with other community arts organizations such as the Gala Hispanic Theater, collaborating with them in 1998 on the production of Raíces Cubanas I, a musical play. Recently, LAFI teamed with Washington Ballet Artistic Director Septime Webre to consult on the coordination of live musicians who accompanied the Kennedy Center world premiere of his original ballet, based on the story of his Cuban mother's life. LAFI also helped to produce the debut CD of those same musicians, who are the Washington-based salsa/Latin-jazz band, Sin Miedo. LAFI also currently promotes and distributes the debut CD of an outstanding local Brazilian jazz ensemble, Origem.

What's the niche?

The Latin American Folk Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1997 with the mission to promote the arts and culture of the Americas and foster a greater understanding among diverse cultural groups. Through education and cultural programs, international exchanges and community partnerships, LAFI educates a broad and diverse audience, thus helping to bridge ethnic and cultural divisions. LAFI is dedicated to build community through art education and affordabe cultural programs, increasing exposure and access to the vast and rich cultural heritage of the Americas, particularly those arts with strong traditional and folkloric roots.

What's in store for the future?

LAFI works toward achieving the following goals:

Arts Education: LAFI seeks to provide arts education to youth, adults, artists, and educators themselves by offering classes, workshops, and seminars focusing on music, percussion & dance.

Arts Access: LAFI strives to bring the arts to a broader community by providing musical direction and consulting at folk festivals, concerts, and educational events in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Community Partnerships: LAFI strives to forge strong community partnerships with similarly-minded groups and acts as an arts consultant for such organizations as the Gala Hispanic Theater, the Washington Ballet, The InSeries, the Washington Post, Joe's Movement Emporium, the Smithsonian Institution, and the D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities.

Community Development: LAFI is committed to the economic and artistic development of its community. We collaborate with both the local government and other businesses to stimulate and revitalize the historic neighborhood in which we are located.

International Exchange: LAFI has been instrumental in bringing renowned artists to the area to perform and to offer workshops to local educators and artists. Featured groups have included a Puerto Rico Folkloric Ballet, an all-women Cuban string ensemble, traditional Cuban son groups, Mexican folk groups, and Puerto Rican and Cuban Afro-Latino groups. LAFI also recently initiated a Cuban educational exchange program with the Cuban National Folkloric Ballet.

If you woud like to conact LAFI, you can reach them at info@lafi.org.

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