Youth Camps, Spring Break & Summer

Program Details: Cultural Arts Youth Camps often serves students ages 5-12, for a full day of projects, lessons and educational games. A sample schedule is one group of students for a 5 day camp week, Monday-Friday 7:30am - 6pm.

During this camp we’ll explore Latinx history as well as introduce students to various arts techniques including (but not limited to): Animation; Digital Storytelling; Axolotl Club; Mixed Media; Ballet Folklorico; Puppetry; Illustration; Music; and Theatre for Young Audiences. Students are often divided into two groups or "pods" with 2 activity specialists and an arts instructor to serve as their adult anchor.

Camps require registration through City of Austin Parks and Recreation. A sample cost per student is a $20 deposit to hold the spot and $120 per week for Austin residents (outside Austin is $200 per week).

Please see general PARD Summer Camp information here. Please note that that page is updated annually. The MACC camp is generally called "Cosecha Summer Camp".

Sample Lessons:

Space/ Equipment Required: Classroom spaces, art making spaces, place to eat lunch and play, preferably outside. Parents park to drop off and pick up students.

Age Group: 5-12

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 10-24 students per session.

Email: MaccEducation@AustinTexas.gov

Sábados en Familia

Program Details: ¡Sábados en familia! offers hands-on projects designed to learn more about Latin American culture. This is a family-focused art program that is designed for parents and their children to participate together. It has generally been held on Saturday mornings. The arts instructor will be hired and funded by the MACC. Themes and projects can be adapted to coincide with particular themes and in the past can even relate to the MACC's seasonal cultural celebrations.

Space/ Equipment Required: Indoor or outdoor space where families can create art, simple table and chairs and hand-washing sink. There can be a meal served as part of the program which requires additional coordination and access to meal prep space.

Age Group: All Ages, families can bring their kids ages 2 and up. Parents must remain with their children.

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 10

Email: MaccEducation@AustinTexas.gov

Figuralo Youth Art Exhibit

Program Details: The ESB MACC hosts a yearly youth art exhibit called Figuralo. This exhibit showcases the exploration of artistic mediums through figurines, figurative images and figurative narratives. Any Austin-area youth can submit artwork. Teachers often submit their students' work. The exhibit often takes place in Winter. Figuralo has also had a concurrent digital exhibit in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute which is a virtual gallery that anyone can view online.

Space/ Equipment Required: Exhibit space, including public-facing walls. Indoor space that can accommodate hanging artworks and, if possible, small pedastals for 3-D work. The ability to keep the space open to the public during regular business hours.

Age Group: Students of all ages can submit artwork. (Generally ages 4-19.)

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: None. No limit to how many artworks can be submitted for the exhibit. If the artworks exceed the space capacity, the artwork will be curated (selected) by MACC staff.

Email: MaccEducation@AustinTexas.gov

Caminos Teen Leadership Program

Program Details: The ESB MACC hosts a year-long Teen Leadership Program that meets biweekly. The students in this paid internship are selected and hired at the beginning of each school year, and stay with the program for 9 months to a year.

The "Caminanites" are paid by the City of Austin. They work on a variety of art projects that increase their professional and artistic development, prepare for college and careers, and receive mentorship by professional artists. The Caminos program is not a drop-in program, they are a regularly meeting core group. However, they conduct youth conferences and art activities that engage other teens outside the official internship program.

Space/ Equipment Required: Meeting space, ideally with computer lab. Large, open spaces for conducting art lessons a plus. Students can also use multiple rooms if the spaces are small. Storage space for art materials is ideal. If there is a space to create an artwork, for example a blank wall for a mural painting, the teens may be able to incorporate the painting of a mural in that space as one of their projects.

Age Group: 15-18

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: This is a program of 10-13 teens who have already applied and been accepted. It is not open to the general public, however during some pre-determined meetings they may be able to engage other teens outside the program. For example, if a community center has their own teen program, the Caminantes may be able to invite them to participate in select projects.

Email: Caminos@AustinTexas.gov

Breaking Barriers Latinx Teen Conference

Description: A Latinx health, art, and mental wellness conference generally occurring in the Spring. This is a one-day event consisting of group building, youth-led workshops, healing ceremonies, and art making. The day often starts at 10am and ends at 6pm with a teen musical performance. It is organized by the Caminos Teen Leadership students and it is open to all teens who have an interest in Latinx art and culture and are willing to be active participants for the day.

Space/ Equipment Required: Meeting space, ideally with a projector or large TV screen for presentations. Large, open spaces for conducting art lessons a plus. Students can also use multiple rooms if the spaces are small. It is ideal that the space be open for prep before the events. Storage space for art materials is ideal. If there is a space to create an artwork, for example a blank wall for a mural painting, the teens may be able to incorporate the painting of a mural in that space as one of their projects.

Age Group: 14-19

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 10-60 Teens

Email: Caminos@AustinTexas.gov

Caminos Teen Art Exhibit

Description: The teens in the Caminos leadership program organize an annual art exhibit in the Spring, ideally in late May or early June. The exhibit consists of their own artwork, and additional artworks by past Caminos program graduates and sometimes other Austin-area teens. The exhibit serves to highlight the artistic accomplishments of each individual as well as group art projects like murals, mosaics, and artworks created during their team building activities. In April-July 2022, this exhibit was a 5-year anniversary retrospective that chronicled all 5 years of the Caminos program. This exhibit, like all Caminos projects, is curated and produced by teens; their specific point of view shapes the exhibition design, curation, and any related programming such as an opening reception for the teens and their families. This exhibit can last several weeks/ months, or can be more of a weekend/ pop up style exhibit if needed.

Space/ Equipment Required: A gallery space, wall space, or any exhibit space that is easily accessible by the public. The group will need intermittent access to the space leading up to the exhibit program so they can plan and install it. This space would ideally be open to the public on Saturdays.

Age Group: 14-19

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 10-20 Teens

Email: Caminos@AustinTexas.gov

Sugar Skull Making Workshops / Art Making Kits

Program Details: "Dulce Vida, Bella Muerte" is a workshop that teaches the art of sugar skull making, which is associated with Dia de Muertos/ Day of the Dead. The project produces a decorative skull- they are not for eating! Families love to participate in this workshop in the Fall, usually in the months of October and November.

Space/ Equipment Required: An art making space where things can get a little messy- glue, sugar, etc. The materials are non-toxic.

Age Group: Families with children ages 5 and up

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 10-24

Email: MaccEducation@AustinTexas.gov

Taller Abierto Painting Classes

Program Details: A Bob Ross style painting class. Instructor Miguel Santana has 30+ years of teaching experience and is an accomplished artist in his own right.

Space/ Equipment Required: A classroom or event room with a sink. Ability to fit about 20 easels. Big plus if easels can be stored at the site.

Age Group: 14 and up

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 10-24

Email: Caminos@austintexas.gov

The Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin (TGSA)

Program Details: The purpose of TGSA is to foster excellence in genealogy through educational programs and projects that preserve, produce and disseminate knowledge of genealogical or historical value.

The TGSA members meet to research ancestry, present programs in historical context, do book readings and signings, and cultural presentations. They generally have both a monthly planning meeting that is open to the public to drop in and receive research assistance, as well as a separate monthly presentation that is bigger and also open to the public.

Space/ Equipment Required: 1 Monthly Public Presentation w/ 30-60 average attendees.

-1st Saturday of the Month (except January) 10am-Noon. Tech Needs: chairs/seating for all; PA with 2 mics for speakers. Projector and HDMI access. 3 Tables.

1 Monthly internal TGSA members. Membership is open to the public. 5-10 average attendees.

-3rd Thursday of the Month, 10am-2.30PM Tech Needs: 2-4 Computers where they can access ancestry.com, a meeting room/classroom.

Computers must have the ability to browse the web/navigate to the Ancestry.com website.

Age Group: All ages. The TGSA core members are active adults and this program is particularly suited for seniors but is also open to all adults.

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 5 for the meetings, 20+ for the public presentations.

Email: Caminos@austintexas.gov

Bronze Community Band

Program Details: A community band that learns, teaches and performs Tejano music.

Space/ Equipment Required: Music practice room, musical instruments or recording studios a huge plus.

Age Group: All ages are welcome to jam! Most suited for teens ages 14 and up with an interest in music.

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: ?

Email: Caminos@austintexas.gov

Cine de Oro Film Series

Program Details: Typically held as a Senior program in partnership with AARP, this program engages seniors to film screenings from the Golden Era of Mexico’s cinema.

In past versions of the program, films are screened in the morning followed by a healthy lunch provided by AARP immediately following the film.

Space/ Equipment Required: A theater-style space with large projector screen. Optional lunch following the film may require simple food prep space and tables and chairs for participants to be served lunch.

Age Group: This program can be adapted for the general public. In the past it has served senior citizens, often in partnership with Senior Centers such as Conley Guerrero.

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: Film screenings can accommodate groups of 10-100 depending on the screening space.

Email: MaccEvents@AustinTexas.gov

Bilingual Yoga with Sana Yoga

Program Details: Sana Yoga provides a pathway for healing with equitable and accessible programming, while organizing to reduce systemic factors that negatively impact mental health, physical health and social well-being amongst our Latinx community and other marginalized communities.

Space/ Equipment Required: Yoga studio, dance studio, or exercise room.

Age Group: 15+

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 10

Email: MaccLAAP@austintexas.gov

Capoeira Brazilian Martial Arts with Eric Salazar

Program Details: Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art disguised as a dance and performed to musical instruments and traditional Brazilian songs. It is comprised of specific offensive and defensive movements and, unlike in other martial arts, the participant is constantly in motion because of the basic movement, the ginga. Some believe that capoeira originated in Africa, others say that it was formed in Brazil!

"Capoeira for All Ages" generally meets on Saturdays. This class is held for all levels. It is open to new, drop-in students as well as to continuing students who build their skills with each class. Instructors are bilingual- English/Spanish.

Space/ Equipment Required: A dance studio, gym, or athletic space. Can be taught outside if weather is appropriate. Floor mats are preferred, the MACC may be able to provide these if the site doesn't have them. Music is an essential part of this class- must be a space that can play rhythmic music.

Age Group: All ages, but especially suited to children and families. Parents can drop their students off but must stay on site, they do not have to stay in the studio during the class.

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 10

Email: Caminos@austintexas.gov

Healing Garden

Program Details: The Healing Garden is a community garden that grows herbs, fruits and vegetables that can be used for everyday meals and health. Individuals or groups who are interested in gardening or sharing in our harvest can join us for one of our garden workdays.

Space/ Equipment Required: The Healing Garden is in the process of being relocated to South Austin, around November 2022, to a plot at Sunset Valley Community Garden.

Age Group: 14 and up

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 5

Email: MaccGarden@austintexas.gov

Viva Mexico, a Celebration of Independence

Event Details: Traditionally celebrated on or around September 16, Viva Mexico is the MACC's signature celebration of Mexican Independence.

This large- scale event that showcases visual art, dance, and musical performances that explore Mexico’s history through cultural art and traditions.

Space/ Equipment Required: A large venue, outdoor plaza, or festival space. Bathrooms/ portapotties, stage, parking/ shuttle to parking, indoor spaces for dressing rooms, panel discussions, film screenings.

Age Group: All ages, it's a family-friendly festival.

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 500+. Attendance is usually about 1000-2000.

Email: MaccEvents@austintexas.gov

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Event Details: The MACC's most popular cultural celebration has grown every year. Face painting, sugar skulls, and a traditional exhibit of ofrendas are characteristic to this celebration of our ancestors and loved ones who have passed.

Space/ Equipment Required: A large venue, outdoor plaza, or festival space. Bathrooms/ portapotties, stage, parking/ shuttle to parking, indoor spaces for dressing rooms, panel discussions, film screenings.

Age Group: All ages, it's a family-friendly festival

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 1000+. Attendance is usually 1500-2500.

Email: MaccEvents@austintexas.gov

La Mujer, a Celebration of Women in the Arts

Event Details: A Celebration of women in the arts.

Space/ Equipment Required: A medium to large venue, outdoor plaza, or festival space. Bathrooms/ portapotties, stage, parking/ shuttle to parking, indoor spaces for dressing rooms, panel discussions, film screenings.

Age Group: All ages, it's a family-friendly festival. Some panel discussions may be for teens and older to to content.

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: The event scale can be adjusted. In general attendance tends to be 300-600.

Email: MaccEvents@austintexas.gov

Awards of Excellence, Recognizing Community Members

Event Details: These awards, which were established by the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board in 2009, recognize those individuals in Austin that have demonstrated significant leadership and have made meaningful contributions in the Latino cultural arts.

The ESB MACC will publish the awards/ nomination documents for the public to submit their nominations.

Space/ Equipment Required: A medium sized event space, multipurpose room, banquet room, grand hall, etc. This event can also take place outdoors, with proper tenting. The MACC will funds the tenting cost.

Age Group: 18+

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 50-200 people.

Email: MaccEvents@austintexas.gov

MACCnifico - Spring Music Showcase

Event Details: Spring music showcase that takes place during the biggest music week in music, during Spring Break.

Space/ Equipment Required: Performance space appropriate for musicians and dancers. Outdoor space can be used- the MACC will pay to rent stage, lighting, and sound/ production equipment.

Age Group: The festival was all-ages in 2022.

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 300-1000

Email: MaccEvents@austintexas.gov

Cultural Arts Activities / Pop-Up Art Making / Kits

Program Details: Host a workshop, class, or activity at your site! The MACC employs and contracts teaching artists who instruct various age groups in a variety of media.

Space/ Equipment Required: An art making space at your site, at your event, or as a special guest for your community. The type of environment required depends on the project.

Age Group: All ages

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 10

Email: MaccEducation@austintexas.gov

Mexamericon (Comic Convention)

Event Details: This uniquely Austin event has become one of the most popular events at the MACC. The event showcases Mexican American and Latinx artists who work through the medium of comic books, graphic novels, zines and other related media. There will be an artist alley, as well as interviews and panels exploring topics relating to comics and Latinx Culture. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage face to face with these talented creators!

Space/ Equipment Required: Event space, medium to large. The ability to show projections/ screenings is a plus. This event often includes a vendor market which can be indoor or outdoor.

Age Group: All ages

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: 100+

Email: MaccEvents@austintexas.gov

Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP) - Performances in Dance, Theater, and Music

Program Details: The Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP) provides Latinx artists from all artistic disciplines the space and community to share their work with the public. Spaces at the MACC have been used for rehearsals, performances, workshops or to create small-scale works of art.

The Latino Artist Access Program participants have been informed that the MACC will not have space available in our building for rehearsals and performances during 2023-2024. We are committed to helping find space for them to conduct their rehearsals and to engage new audiences for their performances.

Space/ Equipment Required:

Age Group: Performances are usually all ages, occasionally they are recommended for 18+.

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: Performances range greatly in size and scope.

Email: MaccLaap@AustinTexas.gov

Group & Individual Exhibits / Pop Ups

Program Details: The MACC organizes exhibits of visual art. These exhibits range from

Space/ Equipment Required:

Age Group:

Minimum/ Maximum Participants:

Email: MaccGallery@AustinTexas.gov

Virtual Exhibits & Online Galleries

Program Description: The MACC hosts exhibits virtually as well as in person. Our partnership with the Smithsonian Institute gives us access to the Smithsonian Learning Lab, which has been a great platform to host virtual galleries/ exhibits. The sky's the limit when it comes to sharing artworks online, since the artwork does not have to be located in Austin or even in Texas!

The Smithsonian Learning lab collections are able to accommodate photos/ images, videos, and text, and you can even create lesson plans and activities. These galleries are created in collaboration with MACC staff and they are not taken down- scholars and anyone with an internet connection can continue to access them, as they go into a giant searchable database hosted by the Smithsonian.

Space/ Equipment Required: No physical space required. Curators must have permission from the artist to upload image of their work.

Age Group: all ages

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: None

Email: MaccGallery@AustinTexas.gov

Recordings of Past Performances

Program Description: The ESB MACC has recorded many of our programs and performances. If you are putting together an online program, you may want to include some of our content!

Space/ Equipment Required: None

Age Group: All ages

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: None

Lesson Plans, Instructional Videos, Virtual Tours

Description: The ESB MACC has recorded many of our lesson plans and educational videos for youth. If you are putting together an online program, you may want to include some of our content, or request a new digital lesson!

Space/ Equipment Required: None

Age Group: All ages

Minimum/ Maximum Participants: None

Email: MaccEducation@AustinTexas.gov

Virtual Tour of the MACC

Learn about the history of the MACC and outdoor sculptures as well as a few fun facts about the MACC! Then take a deep dive tour of the MACC on the Smithsonian Learning Lab! For all ages, this can be used like a virtual field trip and combined with other MACC programs.

Email: MaccEducation@AustinTexas.gov