Conectándonos MÁS will open the doors to its 4th cohort in spring 2026.
Conectándonos MÁS is a youth program that seeks to educate and inspire young people to connect with and explore their ancestral roots and learn about the cultural contributions of Afro-descendants in Abya Yala. In this program, we learn about the black history of Abya Yala and our ancestral connections through connecting with local artists who promote Afro-diasporic arts. The program culminates with a final celebration where we will share the results of all the work done by the youth with the Seattle community.
The welcoming celebration for the new program cohort will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
2026 Cohort
The Fourth cohort of our Conectándonos MÁS Youth Program will take place from February 21st to June 6th, 2026. We will welcome 20 youth from the Greater Seattle area. Through the exploration of Afro Diasporic art and ancestral reflections, youth participants will have the opportunity to develop collective artistic projects with guidance from local AfroLatine artists. The program will take place on Saturdays at Union Cultural Center, and it will start on February 21st with a welcome celebration for the youth participants and their family and friends.
In this cohort, we have prioritized youths:
1- Between 15 and 21 years old;
2- Who are Afro-Latinos, Afro-Indigenous, Black from Latin America, or migrants
3- Who are interested in being connected with the arts.
We are aware of the hardships our migrant and/or racialized communities go through, that’s why we want to give recognition and honor the time our youth invest in our program with a financial incentive that can help alleviate the systemic barriers that could stop them from engaging in the program.
Program contents
Our program artist facilitators will guide us in exploring our individual and collective identities through an art curriculum that encompasses these subjects:
- History of the African Diaspora
- Afro-Latino and Afro-Indigenous identity
- Connection with afrodiasporic cultural and artistic contributions from three regions of Abya Yala: Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the Garifuna nation.
Program activities
- Skill-sharing, connections, knowledge, and seminars on Afro-Latinidad
- Enjoy exploring cuisines from different regions of Abya Yala.
- Active participation in organizing committees of the program.
- Knowledge and experience-sharing sessions with Afrolatinx artists
- Celebration and exhibition of youth work produced during the program.
- Creation of artistic projects
The program was conducted for the first time in 2021 in a non-face-to-face manner, with online meetings. In 2023 we conducted our first in-person program and transformed the curriculum according to the learnings from the pilot. Each year, we learn more and continue to polish and weave the curriculum to better serve the youth.
Previous cohorts
Meet participants from previous cohorts and explore their artwork.
We research events that illustrate the history of black people in Latin America to gain an understanding of how our own history is positioned in that timeline.
We meet artists dedicated to afrodiasporic arts, their stories, and the different expressions of their identities.
We gain skills by interviewing, listening, writing, presenting, researching, and exploring new forms of artistic expressions
We build an exploratory space in which we can create pieces of art according to the interests of each participant.
2023 Galery
FAQ
0- When does the program begin?
Our newest cohort will gather on February 21st, 2026
1- How long does the program last? and how often is it open?
Conectándonos MÁS opens its doors once a year. Our program consists of 2 celebrations and 13 meetings that take place over the course of 4 months.
2- How many young people participate in the program?
We will be accepting 20 youths who identify as Afro-Latinos, Afro-Indigenous, Black, or migrants. Between 15 and 21 years old.
3- Do I have to be involved or skilled in art expressions to participate?
No, Participants only need to be interested in connecting with arts.
4- When are registrations due?
The registration period begins on January 8th through the form found on our website and ends when we reach our enrollment capacity. If we still have available spots by February 20th, those interested can register during our launch party on the 21st at Union Cultural Center.
5- Are the sessions online or in-person?
All sessions will be held in person at the Union Cultural Center on Saturdays 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
6- What language/s will be spoken at the sessions?
All sessions will be multilingual, mainly in Spanish, with interpreters on-site who will help us translate into English and Portuguese using simultaneous translation equipment.
7- Do I have to pay a registration fee or buy materials to participate?
No, this program is completely free for the youth of our community, and the materials to work with at the meetings will be provided by the MÁS team.
8- Who are invited to the celebrations?
During the opening celebration, we’ll take time to get to know and connect with: all the youths who have registered for the program, along with their families and friends; the program’s organizing committee; and the artists, youth leaders, translators, and facilitators who will be part of the program. At the closing celebration, we will share our artistic projects with the Seattle community. This is a free and open celebration to recognize and showcase the work of the youths who participated.
9- How can we help MÁS and the youth program continue to keep its doors open?
Sharing information about the program on your social or community networks;
Supporting MÁS by acquiring the resources we produce through the MÁS website or at our information tables;
Through a one-time or monthly donation on our givebutter account;
Become a sponsor of Conectándonos MÁS by sending an email to: [email protected]
10- Where can I see the work done by the previous program cohorts?