Our Vision

Our vision is bold, achievable, and helps guide our work. By 2034 La Plaza will:

  • Be a proven and recognized catalyst across the region and State for a city-wide cultural district movement, seeded in Eastside San José, continuing to expand the story of arts and culture in the south bay. 

  • Establish a replicable model for its work that demonstrates the power of a cultural district to mitigate gentrification by centering: housing and basic needs; the development of small businesses; cultural activation and art; and health and mental health resources.

  • Deepen our demonstrated leadership in the development of arts and cultural programming that provides a creative platform for the arts community.  

  • Be a recognized leader and collaborator in the policy development arena for arts and culture institutions and community spaces. 

Our Mission

The mission of La Plaza is to champion community heritage, strength, and resiliency through the activation of arts and culture as a pathway for community preservation and celebration.

Our Values

LEADERSHIP: We believe in shared leadership, valuing both individual and collective contributions from our team and community.

VOICE: We use our platform, institutional power, and influence to ensure that the hopes, needs, and concerns of the community we serve are seen and recognized.

CREATIVITY: We believe in the transformative power of the arts. Creativity is the foundation of our humanity.

HERITAGE: Heritage encompasses cultural traditions and foundations that groups share. We connect to our collective past experiences as they inform and help to define current contexts and future hopes. We celebrate our heritage even as we create new experiences.

INCLUSION: Inclusion is a state of belonging. SOAC believes that the equitable access to resources ensures a thriving community. Therefore, the Mexican Heritage Plaza is open and welcoming to everyone.

PLACE: The concept of place is broader than a single facility. As an anchor organization for East San Jose, SOAC activates the vibrancy and celebration of our local community. We take pride in the richness and potential of our Eastside neighborhoods.

SERVICE: SOAC considers itself a servant of the community. We recognize that in order to inspire leadership, we must approach every interaction from a place of humility and respect.

Our Strategic Priorities

  1. Elevate the inherent power, voice, and agency for East Side San José residents.

  2. Build the infrastructure that is needed to meet the organization’s growth trajectory.

  3. Center the staff and board as critical organizational assets.

  4. Build a policy and advocacy agenda that centers art and culture as a path for community preservation.