Grantee Database
La Puerta
Grant Year
2026-27
Grant Program
General Operating Support
Award Amount
$12,000.00
Project Description
With support from the California Arts Council, The Legacy Group DBA La Puerta will strengthen its capacity to expand community-based performing arts programs in San Diego. Support will help fund the salary of the Artistic Director and a part-time administrative assistant, providing the leadership and infrastructure necessary to guide programming, partnerships, and daily operations.
Through this support, La Puerta will continue developing culturally rooted theater productions, workshops, and mentorship opportunities for emerging and established artists throughout California. The organization also provides training in theatrical production and technical crafts—including set construction, lighting, sound, costumes, and stage management—while creating opportunities for artists and technical workers to develop professional-level skills.
This support will allow La Puerta to deepen community engagement, strengthen partnerships, and ensure sustainability of programs that foster artistic excellence and meaningful participation in the performing arts.
Organization Summary
La Puerta develops performance, storytelling, and media projects that highlight the cultural voices and lived histories of Southern California communities.
For example, “Handed Down” is a storytelling performance series combining theater, music, and dance. Beginning with Kumeyaay families in East County San Diego, the project transforms stories and objects passed through generations into original performances that can be shared with communities throughout California.
La Puerta also produces podcasts and video blogs documenting artists and cultural life in under-served communities, exploring how creative expression helps individuals and neighborhoods move from the margins into fuller participation in the cultural life of the region.
A third initiative draws inspiration from community-based theater traditions developed by Luis Valdez. Led by theater educator Victor Contreras, this program brings participatory theater into communities with limited access to the performing arts, inviting residents to shape performances drawn from their own experiences.
Organization
La Puerta
Address
3578 Mercer Ct
San Diego
92122-2910
County
San Diego
Region
Far South
Congressional District
California District 50
State Assembly District
State Assembly District 77
State Senate District
State Senate District 40
