Item 2. Staff Report — original pdf

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4.1.26 MACC Staff Report – Website - Facebook - Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our upcoming events! Past: February Highlights Casa de la Cultura APRENDE A NADAR – BILINGUAL SWIM LESSONS January 15th – February 28th | Thursdays and Saturdays: Bartholomew Pool Attendance:46 Casa de la Cultura hosted bilingual swim lessons at Bartholomew pool for all ages. “Aprende a Nadar” provided swim instruction and water safety skills twice a week between January 15th and February 28th. The class series concluded with a celebration, awarding swimmers with treats and certificates of completion. The youngest swimmer, a 9-year- old girl, joined the class with her mother to continue practicing their Spanish. They were often accompanied by the child’s grandmother, who cheered them on from the sidelines. The mother emphasized the importance of her daughter growing up learning and practicing Spanish. With an average class size of 10 participants, the instruction was tailored to help those who previously lacked confidence in the water. By the end of the class series, both the 9-year-old and her mother had become independent swimmers. “My favorite thing about this class is the consistency of this swimming class and seeing everyone progress at the same time” - Swimmer Jonathan “Llegue con mucho susto, pero los profesores han sidos maravillosos para sentirme tranquila en el agua. Ahora es mucho mas facil de desenvolverse bien en el agua” - Swimmer Carolina “When I started, I was very scared to be in the water, and now I feel very confident. Las clases son muy divertidas y aprendendemos mucho!” Swimmer Minerva HEALING CON CACAO February 21st Saturday at 1pm – 3pm | Mendez Recreation Center Attendance: 20 Cacao holds the profound power of gathering and healing. Many people believe cacao helps open the heart, encourage kindness, and bring a sense of connection to yourself and others. Paulina Bermeo, the Healing Con Cacao Instructor who works with Sana Yoga, led 20 participants in a guided journey with the senses while they tasted cacao, shared stories, and moved their bodies in a safe space. “I loved that the program was in Spanish with English as needed. I think it helped people feel welcome and included. I loved the stories people told. The facilitator was incredibly astute and created a very safe, calming space. She was incredibly culturally informed and taught not just techniques but embodied experiences that people can take back to their families and communities for shared calming experiences.” Past: March Highlights All-Levels Bilingual Yoga Saturdays 10:30-11:30am | Southeast Library The Casa de la Cultura team asked Yoga participants what they most enjoyed about the class. In addition to the physical health benefits, welcoming instructor, and mental wellbeing, the participants mentioned the inclusivity of people of all ages, abilities, and Spanish speakers. “Thank you so much. The Yogas classes have helped me to improve my life and the way I feel about myself and others.” “[I like the] cultural connection, feeling of wellbeing improve, mental health and flexibility and mobility” Afro-Caribbean Ritmo - Oro Dance February 17th – March 14th | Tuesdays 6:30pm – 7:30pm & Saturdays 11am – 12pm | African American Cultural and Heritage Facility Attendance:14 In celebration of Black History Month and in collaboration with the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility and Oro Dance Company, Casa de la Cultura offered a four-week exploration of Afro-Caribbean rhythm and dance. In addition to learning new dance forms, the participants were able to learn much of the history and tools of resistance behind many of our favorite Latin dance styles. “I loved the partnership with Oro and learning about the history of these dances. The combination of learning dance and history was very enriching.” “I really loved how the dancing was inclusive to all genders and the switching of partners made it easy to come alone and helped with social anxiety! Thank you so much!! “ “I love how this showcased Afro-Latino culture. I feel like we don’t see that often highlighted in Austin” It’s my Park Day – Kayak Clean up and Cumbia Saturday, March 7th | 11am – 2pm | Edward Rendon Sr. Park/ Chicano Park Attendance: 28 The Casa de la Cultura team gathered over 20 volunteers and offered a Kayak Clean up at Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach AKA Chicano Park, during the Austin Parks Foundation’s event, It’s my Park Day. This event provided volunteers with kayak rentals from SUP ATX to help clean up and beautify the lakeshore and park. Despite the rain, volunteers gathered over 15 bags of trash that were disposed by the Austin Parks Foundation. Volunteers and community celebrated together with music from DJ Cumbia Cuhh, and a Cumbia lesson from Cumbia Austin. 100 free Paletas from Mom and Pop’s were distributed to volunteers, community members, and trail walkers. In prelude to It’s My Park Day, the ESB MACC Casa de la Cultura team shared a post highlighting the significant importance and history behind Chicano Park. Youth and Family Education Past: Communities in Schools – SmartKidz After-school Program Our afterschool partnership with Communities in Schools served 120 participants in February and 95 so far in March. Students explored migration and Incan archaeology while engaging in art forms like Huichol weaving, retablos, and papel picado. At Bouldin Oaks, Activity Specialist Melany led a dynamic three-day lesson on the Nicaraguan performance El Güegüense, highlighting Indigenous resistance to colonization. Students created traditional hats and maracas (using water bottles and beans), then learned and performed the dance on the final day. Lending Library – Mendez, Pan Am, and Gus Garcia Recreation Centers The Lending Library team facilitated three-week sessions at Mendez, Pan Am, and Gus Garcia Recreation Centers, serving 138 students in February and reaching 124 engagements so far in March. Activities included making cartoneras (cardboard books), papier-mâché figures, invisible ink, and Shrinky Dink keychains. Liz, an Activity Specialist, led a lesson on Latin American traditions, festivals, and holidays, where students designed self-identity floats representing who they are and what they love. Siembra Spring Break Camp During AISD Spring Break, nine students joined us for our Siembra Spring Break Camp, where they explored the Tejano and Mexican American history of Austin through hands-on learning. Activities included studying East Austin murals, creating their own conjunto bands, and capturing incredible photos of lowriders in partnership with Chrome Nights. Families shared very positive feedback, with several expressing interest in registering for our summer camp right away. Sabados en Familia at University Hills Library Saturday, March 14, 12-2 53 participants We had a great Sabados en Familia at Univeristy Hills Library. We read "Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla" by Diana Lopez. Participants decorated their own bandanas inspired by Selena's passion for fashion. They loved listening to the special musical guests Las Chicas en 512! Upcoming: There are two more Sabados en Familia sessions left in the series: April 11th & May 9th Sabados en Familia: Teatro Sin Fronteras April 11, 2026 at Cepeda Branch Library – 12-2pm Teatro Sin Fronteras will present a live reading adaptation of their new book, Codex Miquiztli, highlighting Day of the Dead traditions, shared in both English and Nahuatl. Following the reading, participants will have the opportunity to create their own codices. Sabados en Familia: Debi Tirar Mas Fotos May 9, Ruiz Library, – 12-2pm The book for Sabados en Familia on May 9th will be Alma, about a girl named Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela who feels her name is too long. Her father tells her the stories behind each of her names, connecting them to family members like a book-loving grandmother and an artistic grandfather. By the end, Alma realizes her name is a perfect fit, representing her heritage and her own future story. Special guest Minerva Villa (she/her/ella) is a dynamic theatre director, performer, and photographer whose career reflects a deep commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the transformative power of collaborative storytelling. Minerva will be doing photography with the youth on this day. Caminos Teen Leadership Program Past: HBCU Day 2026 Feb 14: George Washington Carver Museum Caminos Teens and the Outreach EDU team participated in an outreach opportunity for the 2026 HBCU Day with an info and participatory art-marking table. Sharing their internship experiences, Caminos teens connected with other teens to promote the ESB MACC as a cultural center. The theme was 100 Years of Black History, and our activity "mosaics" was inspired by artist, Manny Vega. We collected all the mosaic pieces that were created by attendees to construct one large piece labeled, Unity, that will be donated to the Carver museum. There was an amazing crowd that participated in the activity and excited to have their art work in the museum. ARTIST WORKSHOP Feb 21: HOPE Outdoor Gallery Caminos teens explored the art and technique of mural making via a private lesson hosted by the HOPE Outdoor Gallery: a nonprofit dedicated to artist professional development and youth mentorship. This organization works at the intersection of community artmaking practices and activism. Newly opened at its new location near the airport, the HOPE Outdoor Gallery features an expansive creative campus comprised of revolving exhibition mural walls, park space, and a 6,000-square-foot gallery venue. Caminos teens learned the nuances and craft of using spray paint as an artistic medium for murals and public art works. DOBIE MIDDLE SCHOOL COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR 2026 Feb 27: Dobie Middle School Caminos Team leads participated in a youth career fest at Dobie Middle School. Teens engaged in participatory artmaking practices on the spot creating jewelry and mini painting giving city of Austin teens a taste of ESB MACC programs firsthand. HEALING CIRCLE Feb 28 Led by Manuel and Jessica Zamarripa, cofounders of the Institute of Chicana/o/x Psychology and Community Wellness, Caminos teens were active participants in the ancestral Indigenous practice of a healing circle. Teens learned about the history of mental wellness through the cultural lens of Latino/a/e Indigeneity. This workshop also helped the teens build trust and understanding with Chicanx Psychology practices to plan for their Breaking Barriers event. Field Trip: Mental Wellness Day McKinney Falls State Park Saturday, March 14 The Caminos group got to connect to nature and local Austin history at McKinney Falls Park. They hiked, practiced gratitude and deep breathing, and got to know the history of the park including indigenous practices tied to the land. 2026 8th ANNUAL BREAKING BARRIERS YOUTH MENTAL WELLNESS DAY March 28, 10 AM – 3 PM: Millenium Youth Entertainment Complex The annual Breaking Barriers event was designed, planned, and coordinated for teens-by- teens. It is a safe space to "break barriers" in mental health stigmas for teens via connection through community conversations and creative artmaking. Activities included screen printing, live music, zine-making, and more. Outreach and Marketing Past: Mexican American History & Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Proclamation at Austin City Hall February 5, 2026 The Mexican American Heritage Day Association proudly designated February 2nd as Mexican American Heritage Day. City officials, committee members, and local leaders were present for the City of Austin proclamation: Olivia Tamzarian, Maria Unda, Austin City Council Member Krista Laine, Mini Wilson, Austin City Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, Martha Cotera, Dr. Angela Valenzuela, Austin City Council member Vanessa Fuentes, Dr. Emilio Zamora, Gavino Fernandez, Jr., Austin City Council Member Ryan Atler and Linda del Toro. For more information on Mexican American Heritage Day contact Ruben Barrera at 512-554-3025. Wishbone Bridge Opening February 7, 2026 Pleasant Valley & Lakeshore The new bridge at Pleasant Valley is now open! At this well attended event, hundreds gathered to walk the bridge for the first time and mark this important day for both accessibility and transportation and appreciate the new Art in Public Places (AIPP) art installation. Mayor Watson and Greg Casar spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests passed by the MACC table and got up to date information on the expected reopening of the MACC. At the outreach table we distributed MACC coloring books and information on Tejano Trails. We gave out maps that showed the walking distance from the new Wishbone bridge to the MACC- just under 2 miles! Upcoming: Children’s Day at the Thinkery April 28, 3-6pm The outreach and education team will partner with the Thinkery again this year for children’s day. Our Bad Bunny themed photobooth from last year was a huge hit! We are happy to partner for this event, originally called Dia del Nino. Signature Events AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE The ESB MACC is looking forward to this year’s event on site this summer! Nominations are open now until April 10. We are posting on social media, sent it out in our newsletter, and we are running an ad in La Prensa. Please help the word get out by sharing with your networks. All information can be found here: https://www.austintexas.gov/macc/esb-macc-awards-excellence *Save the date for Advisory Board Members: Saturday, June 27, 2026 for the Awards of Excellence Ceremony. Collaborations The Big We Saturday, March 28 Asian American Resource Center We are excited to share the highlights of this event by Art Alliance Austin! More to come after the completion of the event.