By: Ashmar Mandou

A pool of community leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García, Commissioner George Cardenas, and NMMA President Emeritus Carlos Tortolero, to name a few joined together for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Yollocalli Arts Reach Center on Friday, June 21st in Little Village. “We celebrate the expansion of the National Museum of Mexican Arts flagship youth program, ensuring more opportunities and resources for young people. There is a great work being done by Yollocalli, and we are thrilled to support them in their support of our communities,” said Mayor Johnson.

The National Museum of Mexican Art acquired the decommissioned fire station, 2358 S. Whipple, in Little Village in April 2024. Once restored, the 8,600-square-foot building will be home to a second location for Yollocalli Arts Reach, the award-winning youth initiative of the Museum that offers free arts and culture programming to teens and young adults. The renovated site will also provide a much-needed community gathering space for multigenerational activities. With the second facility NMMA will double the number of students Yollocalli serves.

“This is not just a building; it will be a community space and creative hub for young people from all over Southwest Chicago,” said Congressman García. “The new center will allow Yollocalli to double the number of youth it currently serves. It will be a nurturing environment where our youth can explore their talents and express themselves.”

In October, the City Council approved the $1 sale of the City-owned property to the Museum for redevelopment into a community center for arts programming. According to NMMA, the Yollocalli program has outgrown its current programming space within the Little Village Boys & Girls Club. Museum leaders believe the additional facility will allow Yollocalli programming to double its capacity, serving 300 more students through after-school and summer programs.  “To the youth of Little Village, this center is for you. It is a testament to your potential and your boundless creativity. Here, you will find the tools, guidance, and support to explore new horizons, to heal, and to grow. Let this be a place where your voices are heard, your talents are nurtured, and your dreams are realized,” said Commissioner Cardenas.

The total development cost of the project is estimated at $4 million, which the Museum expects to finance through grants and related funding, pro-bono and discounted services, and support from Museum advocates. Yollocalli Arts Reach, is an award-winning initiative of the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA). According to NMMA, the main floor of the building will include a reception area, staff offices, lounge areas, a gallery, and a recording booth. Yollocalli students will utilize the first floor, which will also be open to community members for meetings, workshops, performances, and other gatherings. The second floor will include four art studios, additional breakout rooms, and gathering spaces.  Since its creation by NMMA in 1997, the Yollocalli Arts Reach initiative has provided equal access to communal, artistic, and cultural resources for youth. Work to renovate and restore the building is underway. The Museum hopes to open the new facility in early 2025.

Photo Credit: City of Chicago