OLLAS Celebrates Latin Artists

September 23rd, 2024

**UNO’s Office of Latino/Latin American Studies Celebrates Two Decades of Community Impact**

The Office of Latino/Latin American Studies (OLLAS) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has supported Nebraska’s growing Latino community since its establishment in 2003. Created to help integrate this vibrant demographic into the state’s political, economic, and social fabric, OLLAS has built a strong reputation for fostering understanding and engagement through education and outreach.

OLLAS offers an academic program featuring a major in Latino/Latin American Studies and a minor in Chicano/Latino Studies. This curriculum not only equips students with knowledge about Latino history and culture but also prepares them to address the complex challenges facing these communities.

With the backing of UNO and the broader Omaha community, OLLAS has expanded its role beyond academia. In 2015, recognizing the need to engage more deeply with local Latino artists, the organization launched a series of art-focused programs. Among these is ArtreLatinX, an initiative that has grown significantly since its inception.

Ana Diaz-Orozco, the OLLAS Community Engagement Coordinator, highlights the evolution of ArtreLatinX. “What started as a local initiative has now reached artists beyond Omaha, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and connect with broader audiences,” Diaz-Orozco shared.

ArtreLatinX offers artists comprehensive support, from exhibition opportunities to professional development resources. This year’s installment, ArtreLatinX 2024, began last Friday and runs through October 18th at the Bancroft Street Market, located at 10th and Bancroft Streets. The event features diverse activities, including a guest lecture, a Latino dance workshop, and a keynote speaker, aiming to celebrate and elevate Latino artistry and culture.

For more information about ArtreLatinX 2024 and OLLAS’s work, visit: OLLAS