Connected by the Water: Celebrating Afro-Latinx Art & Culture

In partnership with La Casa de la Cultura, engage in the richness of Afro-Latinx/Latinx history and culture, with a deeper understanding of its interconnection with Afro-American history and culture.

One of the Gantt's current exhibitions, Becoming The Sea: Black Rock Senegal x Harvey B. Gantt Center, directly reflects our mission of celebrating and preserving excellence in the arts and cultures of the diaspora. As we uphold this mission, we acknowledge the intertwined history and traditions of Latin America, particularly Latin American people and cultures with deep African influence. Connected by the Water is a collection of programming where our community can acknowledge, learn, and celebrate the historical and cultural contributions of Afro-Latinx people – contributions that have reached all corners of the world.

The programming includes a panel conversation to discuss the nuanced perspectives across Latin America, hands-on art with roots in several Latin American countries, and live dance and musical performances with Costa Rican and Venezuelan influences. La Casa de la Cultura's founders, Keudis Sánchez and Milagros Ugueto de Sánchez, are an integral part of the experience.

All ages and backgrounds are welcome to join us for this free program.

Program Schedule

Connected by the Water Panel Discussion
6:30 pm - 8 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)

Moderated by Milagros Ugueto de Sánchez, featuring artist Keudis Sánchez, Levine Museum of the New South's Director of Programs & Digital Production Alex Pineres, and others. The panel explores African foundational influences on Latinx art and culture, Latinx experiences in the U.S., through-lines in racist and colorist systems across the hemisphere, and more.

Afro-Latinx-Inspired Drop-In Workshops
6 pm - 9 pm (Performance Suite)

Commemorate the evening with a series of family crafts inspired by African diasporic art in Latin America.

Live Performance & Concert
8 pm - 9 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)

Learn elements of traditional dance and live drumming from Venezuela, complemented by contemporary sounds from a local artist of Costa Rican descent.

At La Casa de la Cultura, we aim to promote and strengthen pride in our roots, traditions, and ancestry, everything that defines us as individuals from a particular region or country.

The doors are open for every culture, tradition, or customs to be promoted, and to know where we come from and those things that are part of our identity.

Established in Charlotte, NC, in 2022, Casa de la Cultura emerges as a beacon of cultural diversity thanks to the vision and dedication of its founders, Keudis Sánchez and Milagros Ugueto de Sánchez. This space stands as a sanctuary for artistic expression and the celebration of traditions, roots, and cultural heritages of all communities.

We create cultural spaces and activities that promote diversity, working at festivals and within the community to foster local culture and traditions. Our programs include workshops on photography, painting, and folk dances, with plans to add many more activities that further enrich our cultural offerings. Through cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals, La Casa de la Cultura provides a platform for the community to share and celebrate their unique cultural identities.

Our commitment goes beyond teaching and artistic practice; we strive to build bridges between diverse communities, promoting respect, empathy, and intercultural understanding. Ultimately, La Casa de la Cultura seeks to enrich the social fabric of Charlotte and strengthen the ties that unite us as global citizens.

Learn more about La Casa de la Cultura at lacasadelacultura.net.