Vibrant colors, the aroma of delicious cuisine, and the sounds of cheerful music and dance fill the air at Hispanic Business Center’s “La Placita,” a hub for culture and community in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood on Cleveland’s west side. The pop-up market started in 2015 to spur economic development in the neighborhood and as a community space akin to the open-air plazas that are present in many Latin American countries.

In Cleveland, La Placita transforms a parking lot on the corner of Clark Avenue and West 25th street into a welcoming and free community event throughout the summer season. As the most densely populated Hispanic community in Ohio, residents are invited to participate in a “cultural encounter” and connect with the vendors, musicians and performers who bring their talents and showcase their artistic skills and goods.

With a project support grant from CAC, Hispanic Business Center has the support they need to develop a Latino artist directory in collaboration with Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center. A first for Cleveland, this will not only help to engage local artists community, but also will serve as a resource that can be shared throughout the community to facilitate connections between organizations, companies, and individuals who are seeking to hire and engage local Latino talent. Artists who are identified for the directory are also invited to perform or exhibit their art works at La Placita.

“Our funding from CAC allows us to provide different opportunities for Latino artists to get involved in the community,” said Selina Pagán – Program Coordinator, Hispanic Business Center. “So many times, Latino artists have to work a full-time job outside their artistic fields and don’t get to actually turn their skills and art into a business. We want to help them establish their artistic businesses and follow their dreams. This work would not be possible without CAC.”