Palenke Arts is a multicultural arts organization founded in 2016 by a committed group of artists, educators and community members who wanted to address the lack of affordable multicultural arts programs for the youth in the city of Seaside. For the past seven years, we have provided high quality multidisciplinary arts, music and dance classes and workshops to many families who would traditionally not be able to pay for them.

In addition to our educational programs, Palenke Arts offers an awe-inspiring concert series that features local and international artists (México, Morocco, Cuba, Iran, Brazil, Vietnam, Spain) including Grammy and Emmy winners. Thus, over the past 7 years we have organized and participated in countless community events such as our own annual Palenke Arts Festival presenting to over 5,000 audience members yearly.

Palenke Arts exists to create a safe, vibrant and inclusive multicultural arts center in the city of Seaside that will benefit all of the Monterey Peninsula. We aim to uplift youth voices, inspire creativity and transform our community into a place where everyone feels seen, valued and welcomed through the healing power of the arts.

In recognition of our work, in 2019, we received the award as the Nonprofit of Year in Arts and Culture from the Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County. In 2022 our Executive Director Juan L. Sánchez obtained the Champion of the Arts Award from the Arts Council of Monterey County.