Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, IBA-ETC
405 Shawmut AvenueBostonMA02118
617-927-1715617-536-5816

Program: AREYTO Cultural Awareness Program, Video Training Program Year Started: 1976 Focus: Multidisciplinary Arts Youth Served: 68 Ages: 9-19 Budget: $116,216 Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, IBA-ETC is a Community Development Corporation serving the community of Villa Victoria in Boston's South End. Its cultural component, Arte y Cultura, provides a variety of programs, including the AREYTO Cultural Awareness Program and the Video Training Program, both for youth ages 9-19. The AREYTO Program develops youth performing ensembles. It offers training sessions in Latin percussion, folkloric dance, visual arts, theater and Bomba, an Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance tradition. Youth meet weekly with professional artists to develop skills and a repertoire for performances throughout the community and region. The 3 1/2 month Video Training Program provides teenagers with basic instruction in camera use, editing and production. Youth produce a variety show, Teens in Action, which is aired regularly through a community cable channel. Video Program participants also document activities and events taking place in the community, a biannual performance series and a variety of cultural community events organized by Arte y Cultura. "Most of our kids don't see themselves reflected in what they learn at school, nor in the largely negative portrayals of Latinos in the media," says Artistic Director Alex Alvear. "The Programs are bringing about personal development and building cultural identity, helping youth get closer to their parents and to their community."