Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum is largest of its kind in nation. Rooted in 400,000-population Mexican community, is also ambassador to rest of city. Works with schools, day care, community development, stretching definition of how a museum works in a community. School reform opened doors to arts organizations even as system endured sharp cuts in arts spending. Individual schools use discretionary funds to bring in performances, seminars, long-term programs.
Participants receive wages for working, so program provides jobs and education simultaneously.
Neighborhood theaters continue to hang on despite lean times, providing newer actors a foothold in city with thriving commercial theaters and well-established pipeline to Hollywood. Of 60 community and citywide companies, many are in converted storefronts in north lakefront neighborhoods. Big success in black community is ETA Creative Arts Foundation, which produces 11 shows per year. Building is architectural jewel, built in 1897 with elaborate mosaics and beautiful performance and exhibit spaces. Many organizations receive consistent support from wealthy donors and large foundations.