The Mexican Cultural Institute

When the Mexican Cultural Institute was founded in 1991 to create awareness of the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of Mexico and operated under the able leadership of Mireya Teran, I became an instant avid supporter.  When Ms. Teran was made an ambassador and Juan Garcia de Oteyza became its director, the focus became more literary but my commitment to its mission continued.  When he left the directorship I became disenchanted and slowly drifted away.  However, last year a brilliant visionary Raul Jaime Zorrilla Arredondo was given the task of revitalizing this worthy organization and he has done a magnificent job.

With the support of Consul General Ruben Beltran, In his first year as director and with an extremely limited budget, the Institute took part or made possible art exhibitions, movie premiers such as Arrancame la Vida and film series like the campy sci-fi films of the 60, lectures by Carlos Fuentes, Elena Poniatowsa and Carmen Boullosa,   concerts of baroque Mexican music, prformances by rockers like Kinky, Pistolera and Julieta Venegas, book launches, poetry readings and several events in conjunction with the Mexico Tourism Board and organizations like The Americas Society, 92Y Tribeca, Celebrate Mexico Now. It a been an exciting year and the annual report is so beautifully designed that it is destined to become a collector’s item but you can read all about it on our website.

Yesterday I was invited to be a member of the Board of Directors and it was one of my proudest moments.  This will be another venue for me to fulfill my mission to make my culture known and understood. I hope that you will join our mailing list at www.lavitina.org or check out the calendar of events on this page.  We can also use your support.