Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (LOUD) is marking its fifth anniversary with a statewide expansion aimed at strengthening partnerships, supporting Latino artists and bringing cultural programming to communities across Wisconsin.
Founded in 2021 by Oscar Mireles, LOUD is expanding its work through collaborations with organizations across the state. The organization says the partnerships will help maximize resources while creating more opportunities for Latino artists and increasing community engagement.
“Our growth is built on the foundation of long-standing relationships and an unwavering commitment to showcasing the best of Latino art,” Mireles said in a press release. “By collaborating with partners who share our vision, we are ensuring that these vital cultural voices reach wider audiences and create lasting impact.”
The expansion comes as LOUD prepares for several upcoming events.
On Sept. 26, Mireles will serve as a featured panelist at the Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Conference at Lake Superior State University. The 3:30 p.m. panel will focus on the role of independent artists in engaging with their communities.
On Sept. 28, LOUD will partner with PBS Wisconsin and UW-La Crosse for the Wisconsin premiere of American Pachuco, a documentary exploring the life and work of acclaimed director and playwright Luis Valdez.
LOUD will also partner with the UW-Oshkosh Chicano Studies Department on Oct. 8 for the return of Mariachi San Jose. The ensemble will perform at Madison East High School and participate in a Mercadito at Centro Hispano, highlighting traditional music and Latino cultural heritage.
LOUD has also partnered with American Players Theatre in Spring Green for the past two summers, offering discounted tickets to Latino-themed plays and performances. The organization said the initiative has resulted in hundreds of tickets being sold and helped bring a more diverse audience to the theater.
The statewide expansion builds on LOUD’s mission of fostering understanding and community development through the arts while creating platforms for Latino artists and strengthening connections between artists and communities, the organization said in a press release.
“We want to continue building relationships that create meaningful opportunities for artists and communities throughout Wisconsin,” Mireles said.
