The Alisal Center for Fine Arts is a creative hub for artists and advocates alike connecting, teaching and strengthening our community. Through a holistic approach, we cultivate youth leaders committed to cultural affirmation and community transformation.
The Alisal Center for the Fine Arts (ACFA) is a cultural production hub where youth and college interns collaborate to create bilingual performances rooted in East Salinas community stories. Through music, visual art, Baile Folklórico, and theater, we serve over 300 students in free year-round programming that culminates in powerful, interdisciplinary performances. ACFA’s unique production model brings programs together—youth musicians create original scores, visual artists build immersive sets, dancers choreograph story-driven movement, and Teatro Familiar guides narrative development. Interns from Hartnell College and CSUMB support the digital production process, using multicam setups to stream performances live to the web, allowing families near and far to watch and celebrate these youth-driven works. These events affirm identity, uplift local stories, and build bridges between generations, making ACFA a creative force for cultural connection and youth empowerment in East Salinas.
The Alisal Center for the Fine Arts (ACFA) serves East Salinas youth and families through free, year-round programs in music, dance, theater, and visual arts that promote creativity, leadership, and cultural pride. While based in East Salinas, our impact extends countywide through performances, partnerships, and outreach. We have performed at events throughout Monterey County, including the Monterey Bay Charter School Spring Faire and the annual shoe distribution hosted by Nancy’s Project, which provides free shoes to school-aged children. Our bilingual performances celebrate community stories and foster cultural connection across generations and regions. ACFA also partners with Hartnell College and CSU Monterey Bay to train college interns in digital media and live production, preparing them for careers in the creative economy. By combining the arts with education, public service, and storytelling, ACFA uplifts youth and strengthens the cultural and civic fabric of Monterey County.
I like folklorico because of the community, they're very welcoming and it's a way to destress and clear my head. I feel joy doing it, when I first started I was so nervous. I have slowly seen myself become more confident over the years.
- Cristal N., Salinas
