98 artists, culture bearers, and organizations awarded statewide
Jose Trejo Maya is a remnant of the Nahuatlacah oral tradition, a tonalpouhque Mexica, and a commoner from the lowlands (i.e. Mexico) from a time and place that no longer exists. His poetry has gained recognition and been published in various countries, including the UK, US, India, Spain, Australia, Argentina,…
Acacia is a cultural preservationist, traditional arts advocate/ musician and keeper of traditional histories. Through oral testimony and inclusive, cultural tourism, she brings together elders and youth alike to share in the oft overlooked and undertold stories of communities of color. She believes that community education is a must, and…
For the 23rd year of the program, 24 new pairs were awarded
For over four decades, proud daughter of Oaxaqueños, Maria Luisa Colmenarez has played a large role in ensuring Mexican folk dance remains accessible to the community while advocating for a larger presence in the performing arts space. She currently serves as the executive director of Danzantes Unidos de California, a…
Le damos la bienvenida a César Castro, nuevo coordinador de programas de ACTA
An ACTA Intern’s First Steps into the World and Work of Folk and Traditional Arts
My Mother always told me stories. I began telling stories formally when I was in high school in Chicago (St. Ignatius) in the 60’s, stories of Africa and the struggles of African-Americans for freedom. In 1992 I met Joel ben Izzy from Berkeley, CA who was introduced to me as…
Nobuko Fukatsu is a Biwa (Japanese lute) player based in Los Angeles, California. Born in Japan, she started to study Satsuma-biwa under the prominent biwa musician Yoshiko Sakata in 2005. After moving to the Los Angeles area, she started to perform at various cultural gatherings, festivals and educational settings, as well as…
The ACTA board and staff are pleased to welcome Chike C. Nwoffiah as our new Board President. Photo: Janet Tavares Chike C. Nwoffiah is an educator, arts administrator and advocate, and a founding board member of the Alliance for California Traditional Arts. After twelve successful years…
