Bronx leaders highlight $500K in joint funding to expand historic Latino cultural institution
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito visited Pregones Theater in the South Bronx today to tour the theater’s existing facility and discuss the forthcoming expansion of the historic cultural institution.
Pregones Theater is one of the premiere arts organizations in New York City and one of the most recognized Latino cultural organizations in the world. Both Borough President Diaz and Speaker Mark-Viverito have both provided $250,000 in capital funding to Pregones Theater in this year’s budget, which will be used towards the goal of constructing a new facility for the historic theater company adjacent to its current location on Walton Avenue.
“Pregones Theater is a true jewel of our borough, and one of the most important cultural institutions in our city,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The arts and culture are important aspects of The Bronx, and Pregones Theater has played a key role in fostering our borough’s arts community since its inception. This funding will allow for a much-anticipated expansion of education and other programming at the theater, and I am proud to partner with Speaker Mark-Viverito on this important project, which will greatly enhance this nationally-recognized cultural organization.”
“Pregones Theater celebrates the rich cultural history and heritage of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican diaspora, and provides support for local artists who exemplify a multitude of artistic talents in the South Bronx. I am proud to have such a cultural gem in my district,” said New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “That is why I helped contribute $250,000 in funding through the Fiscal 2018 Budget to Pregones. I want to thank Borough President Díaz for his commitment to the arts in the Bronx, and I look forward to seeing the theater grow so it can continue to teach and inspire the South Bronx community.”
“This capital support from Borough President Diaz and Speaker Mark-Viverito represents a validation not only of Pregones Theater’s trajectory but of our plans for the future. The re-construction of the house adjacent to our Walton Avenue theater will provide lasting, efficient, and suitably flexible space for our expanded programs. Planned uses include: small format performances, rehearsals, training/education; video and telepresence (live streaming)/recording/editing; music recording/editing; hospitality for visiting artists and offices. We are grateful to our Borough President, to our Speaker, to our Bronx representatives and to our neighbors for their continued support,” said Rosalba Rolón, Artistic Director, Pregones Theater.
More information about Pregones Theater and its programming can be found at http://pregonesprtt.org/.