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LA VOZ DE MI GENTE

A cultural exhibition reconnecting Puerto Ricans to their roots through powerful photography, storytelling and community
January 5×5 Night at Start Garden
Voting Closes:

January 20, 2025 11:59 pm

About this idea
La Voz De Mi Gente (The voice of my people) is a photography and cultural exhibition created to reimagine what an art exhibit can be. It’s not just about displaying art or celebrating the artists—it’s about using art as a way to bring our community together and create opportunities for holistic support. This project started with a commitment to reconnect Puerto Ricans with their roots by capturing and sharing the stories of artists on the island. After traveling to Puerto Rico and immersing myself in these stories, I returned with a collection that reflects the resilience and beauty of our culture. But we’re not just inviting the community to show up or asking for donations to causes they care about; we’re taking ownership of the process. We’ve designed an experience where supporting the community is built into every part of the event. From partnering with Puerto Rican-owned restaurants for food, to featuring live performances by local musicians, we’re creating engagement opportunities that directly support the people and businesses that bring our culture to life. Our goal is to make this an event that celebrates Puerto Rican identity while giving back in meaningful ways. Starting here in Michigan, we’re building something entirely new for Puerto Rican communities. With plans to expand to cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia in partnership with local Puerto Rican nonprofits, our vision is to bring La Voz De Mi Gente to as many communities as possible. And one day, we hope to bring this experience back to the island itself, as a celebration of the identity, strength, and unity that define us.
Impact
The impact of La Voz De Mi Gente starts right here in our local community, creating a meaningful experience for Puerto Ricans to feel seen and celebrated. By partnering with local Puerto Rican organizations to supporting Puerto Rican-owned restaurants and featuring live performances from local musicians and dancers, we’re ensuring this event supports our community from the ground up. This isn’t just an exhibit; it’s a gathering place where Puerto Ricans can feel connected to their culture, reconnect with each other, and share in the pride of our heritage. We’re also taking that support beyond our local event by giving back to artists on the island. We’ve purchased work from Puerto Rican artists, which attendees can buy to support them directly, while proceeds go to nonprofits serving Puerto Rican communities. In a way, La Voz De Mi Gente is about showing that being Boricua goes with us wherever we go. It’s in our music, our food, our art—and this exhibition is a celebration of all of that. The real impact here is about bringing people together, preserving our culture, and making sure our community, both locally and on the island, feels uplifted and connected.
What I'll do with $5,000
With $5,000, we’ll fund high-quality prints and framing ($3,000) for the photography collection and authentic food and drinks from local Puerto Rican-owned restaurants ($2,500). These are essential elements that shape the event, allowing us to celebrate Puerto Rican heritage and build community connections. This grant would contribute to our total project budget of $30,000, allowing us to move forward with key aspects of the event.
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