Sustainability
Funding
After the 2008 recession, La Peña lost two thirds of their funding over a 4 year period. By 2012, the pressures from inadequate funding caused a lot of strain, leading to major changes in the organization. They could no longer afford a multiple person staff and the Board decided to have only one full time staff person. About the same time, internal issues and a failure to address the deficit, lead to the collective dissolving. There were many experiments and changes in leadership of the organization for several years following. With a history of 42 years, La Peña has experienced many changes and crisis but 2012 was the year that impacted their future most.
Only now, in 2017, is La Peña beginning to recover and thrive again.
Reliance on grants almost defeated La Peña in the recession so their new focus is on funding themselves through event production and space rentals. Ownership of their building is a big asset, especially for a nonprofit arts organization. Grants are a difficult bargain to begin with, coming with specific requirements, goals, and reporting to an external funder that takes time and energy to work with. Generating revenue internally gives the organization freedom with where and how they can then spend their resources.
As a nonprofit with a leftist politics, access is important to La Peña. Space rental and event ticket prices are very intentionally set at affordable prices. For example, the Capoeira group that holds weekly classes at La Peña could not find another place that met their location, space, and affordability needs. There are very few places in the Bay Area where a group with big ideas and little money can afford to be. Rentals are prioritized to groups whose purpose aligns with the mission of La Peña, are open to the public, and educational.
La Peña is famous for the events they put on and the speakers they have had. They are well known for the good times by many in the community. La Peña partners with groups, like musicians to produce beautiful events that invigorate the community. In return, the community funds La Peña, continuing its ability to offer radical space.
My sincere appreciation to all who support La Pena and understand its role in revolution.
As Carol informs us, arts organizations are constantly under attack, especially those which serve people of color and the LGBTQ community. In the current political moment, spaces for marginalized people are essential to survival and for that very reason, at risk. La Peña has been doing more with less for many years but, to be healthy, it needs the money.
Carol is a long time board member for La Peña. She shares their work with a recent grant, focusing on long term planning and sustainability. But there are some immediate needs too.
Event Sold Out!
Standing Room Only!
Fans and family packing the house for Mariachi Feminil is not an unusual sight at La Peña. Events have been consistently selling out. The organization is outgrowing its space in a building that already needs improvement.
La Peña has three event spaces in the building but only one can be used at a time due to sound conflicts, limiting their ability to have a successful space.