Maya Vision
Mayan arts and culture
Established in 1998 by Mayan refugees primarily from Guatemala, Maya Vision was created to organize the displaced Mayan community in Los Angeles and provide holistic support for individuals and families faced with the many common struggles that are present for Mayans seeking refuge in the United States. Composed of a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual group of leaders representing several of the 13 different ethnic Mayan groups, Maya Vision exists to bring together community members so they can culturall support each other and provide translation services in areas of health, law, education, and employment. Additionally, the organization provides opportunities for everyone to come together and continue their cultural traditions, cultural expressions, and ceremonial obligations that strengthen their collective identities as Mayan.
One musical tradition that appears at all of Maya Vision’s cultural events is the marimba; an event is not considered a culturally appropriate Mayan gathering wihtout the presence of this sacred and honored instrument. In 2009, Maya Vision received a grant from ACTA’s Living Cultures Grants Program to support Suspiro Q’anjob’a, their marimba group, to assure the transmission of marimba teaching and playing by providing a rehearsal space for lessons and purchasing sound equipment for use at cultural events.