LASA receives Hillman Foundation grant

The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) is pleased to announce that it has received a $150,000 grant from the Hillman Foundation toward the establishment of the Latin American Cultural Center. LASA is an organization that was established to bring together experts on Latin America from all scholarly disciplines and diverse occupational endeavors across the globe. With a worldwide membership that is now approaching 14,000 individuals, LASA recently moved its headquarters from the University of Pittsburgh to a building it purchased that is located in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh. Built in 1913, the Italian Renaissance building had been the home of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania.

The new headquarters of LASA has enabled it to fulfill its vision to create the Latin American Cultural Center (LACC). LACC will provide an opportunity to share the expertise, experience, and collections of LASA members with the wider community. Its mission is to celebrate Latin America through compelling physical and cyber spaces dedicated to sharing and fostering a heightened understanding and appreciation for Latin American arts, history, and culture. LACC will include a museum that offers on-sight and virtual exhibits about the geography, history, society, culture, and arts of Latin America and the Caribbean. Eventually LACC will also open a large gallery devoted to special exhibits relating to Latin America’s peoples and arts. A well-equipped auditorium provides a space for the presentation of lectures, performances, and film series.

“The Hillman Foundation grant is especially significant because it enables LACC to make renovations to, and improve the appearance, acoustics, equipment, and seating, in the auditorium. The pandemic has made it an especially challenging time to raise funds to open a new cultural amenity for the region. We are, however, excited to be moving forward with this project that will focus on the significance and importance of Latin America, the cultural background of nearly 20% of the US population.”

Dr. Milagros Pereyra-Rojas
Executive Director of LASA

“Henry Hillman often remarked that it was important for the vitality of the Pittsburgh region that it emphasize its linkages with the world. The initiative of LASA in creating the Latin American Cultural Center is especially significant in this regard.”

David K. Roger
President of the Hillman Foundation

The beautifully renovated Latin American Cultural Center will open later this year to individuals, corporations, and organizations for booking receptions and special events. In early 2022, the Center will open to schools, groups, and individuals who arrange in advance to tour museum exhibits.

For more information contact: 
Sandra Budd
sbudd@lasaweb.org