History

The Carpinteria Cultural Foundation (CCF) began life in 2022 as the Latinx Arts Project (Artes de Proyecto Latinx Carpinteria), an organization focused on the goal of highlighting Latinx arts and history in the Carpinteria community. Under the initial leadership and vision of Leslie Westbrook and Suzanne Requejo, the Latinx Arts Project produced the short film, "Voces de Old Town Carpinteria," which addressed the history of segregation at Aliso Elementary School. Shortly after the completion of the film, the Latinx Arts Project began the process of fundraising for the design and creation of the first in a series of murals to be featured around town. After evolving into the Carpinteria Cultural Foundation, the Board has expanded its vision of the mural series to include additional themes and communities that are part of the city's history. 

We plan to continue our efforts into 2024 with carefully selected and researched themes for murals, plus the making of more videos of past heroes, and educational materials. We are partnering with other community organizations like the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History, and the Carpinteria Public Library, on grant proposals for the creation of public exhibits that celebrate the diversity of our community.