After two years of construction, La CASA: The Center for Arts, Self-determination, and Activism in the South End will open its doors to the public this Friday, with a weekend full of programming to celebrate. The $33 million project, located in the middle of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción’s affordable housing complex Villa Victoria, is designed to uplift Latino arts, culture, and community through programming, performances, and exhibits.
The opening weekend calendar is packed: Attendees can enjoy a Friday night concert featuring Latin percussion artist Eguie Castrillo, free open houses, and a Saturday dance party.
The 26,000-square-foot, four-story venue is New England’s largest Latino cultural hub, according to Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, the CEO of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción. At the heart of La CASA is Jean and Tom Yawkey Hall, a two-story performance space and flexible venue designed to accommodate up to 438 guests.
La CASA’s inaugural exhibition is “Entretelas: Antonio Martorell y sus Amigos,” featuring work from Puerto Rican artist Antonio Martorell. It chronicles a period of hardship for Puerto Rico when the island and its people were dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a string of devastating earthquakes. In his artwork, Martorell explores the importance of friends, family, and community while navigating adversity. The exhibition will be on display May 15-Aug. 1.
At the entrance of La CASA, visitors can find a large-scale mural by Boston-based artist Acóma depicting the history and future of Villa Victoria. Titled, “Un Futuro en Acción (A Future in Motion),” the colorful mural is a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, featuring Taino symbols, men playing dominos on the street, and local instruments like the cuatro.
The architecture of La CASA also plays with the theme of honoring history while looking toward the future. The building is composed of terracotta tiles and reclaimed stained glass, an homage to All Saints Lutheran Church, which previously stood on the site.
“At IBA, our mission has always been guided by the principle that a building is more than its walls,” said Calderón-Rosado, in a press release. “It is a place where pathways to building community, culture, and generational prosperity are created. It is true that La CASA will be a brand new, flexible 26,000-square-foot building — but perhaps most importantly, it will transform the lives of countless individuals, families, and community members.”
Founded in 1968 to prevent the displacement of the South End’s Puerto Rican community, IBA is the largest Latina-led nonprofit in New England. Today, in addition to helping community members find affordable housing, IBA helps promote financial empowerment, hosts early education programming, supports the arts, and more.
Gitana Savage can be reached at gitana.savage@globe.com. Follow her on X @gitana_savage.