Overview of Taller Boricua



Taller Boricua Puerto Rican
Workshop, Inc.

at Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center
1689 Lexington Ave,
New York, NY 10029
Telephone: (212) 831-4333
Fax: (212) 831-6274
Admission: Always Free

Welcome to the Taller Boricua

Where we develop the creative imagination through an integrated arts program.

Thus, my route so defined in the present

I felt I was the sprout from all soils of the earth,

of soils without history,

of soils without future,

of soils without shores,

of all men and all eras.

And I was whole in me as life was

Within me...

I became My Own Path.

Julia de Burgos 1914-1953

During its thirty year history, The Puerto Rican Workshop, Inc., also known as Taller Boricua, has expanded into a multi-disciplined organization providing a variety of programs that address the social, cultural and economic development priorities of East Harlem's community.

Taller Boricua has substantially increased and enhanced the cultural vitality of East Harlem through a holistic approach that explores a variety of artistic expressions and unique styles. It is the only community based arts and educational organization serving East Harlem through a comprehensive, practical and diversified program for artists and the general public.

Taller Boricua is unique in addressing the specific needs of Latino and contemporary artists in general through a collaborative network with artists, public service providers and community.

Its workshop concept offers artists the opportunity to share ideas and inspirations with colleagues, enhances productivity and attracts the art community to function as an essential nucleus, which supports creative efforts throughout its community.

Taller Boricua was established in 1970, in the State of New York as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3), non-profit arts organization. The founders recognized a need for a grass roots, organized movement to address the issues of education, social activism and art. This prompted the creation of its first project, the Artist-in-Residence program and the printmaking workshop, which were partially funded by the New York state Council on the Arts. The Taller Boricua has evolved into a highly respected and effective community arts organization and continues to be a proactive resource of the promotion of Puerto Rican culture and art.

It has helped to establish and has collaborated with many organizations. Among its many projects, the Taller is the leading organization in the Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center.

These programs have been the backbone of the Taller Boricua. They provide the structure needed for the desired interactive and productive relationship with Taller Boricua's constituency:

• Artist Studios Program
• Computer Graphics Workshops
• Digital Film Making and Editing Programs
• Permanent Gallery
• Arts and Education Programs
• Traveling Exhibitions
• Artist Housing
• Dance, Music and Poetry Recitals

In November 2000, The Rotary Club of New York announced a gift to the Taller Boricua of $50,000 to create “The Rotary Club of New York Electronic Learning Center.” This Center will provide technology training for youth and community members in East Harlem as part of the work of the Taller.