Canadian Hispanic-Latin American Virtual Museum: Growth for Greater Cultural Visibility
The Canadian Hispanic-Latin American Virtual Museum, led by founder and president Elvira Sanchez de Malicki is a champion of thinking outside the box. As a virtual museum organization dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of Canadian Hispanic-Latin Americans, its digital model provides nationwide access, to sharing and preserving the culture of Canadian Hispanic Latin-Americans. Despite being only three years old, the museum has had a raring start, thanks to innovative programming and a commitment to excellence. “The only ones who can tell our story are us,” Elvira emphasizes, underscoring the importance of this work in a cultural landscape where Hispanic voices have historically been underrepresented.
artsvest has played a pivotal role in helping the museum achieve its goals and expand its reach. Through its mentorship program, Elvira and her team worked with Jeffery Herd to refine their storytelling and develop a polished sponsorship package that opened doors to corporate champions and larger organizations. This mentorship also provided new opportunities to access resources, enabling them to onboard highly-skilled volunteers and more stakeholders. Through artsvest’s webinars, CHLAM connected with peers and experts that assisted in navigating the challenges of operating a non-profit from the ground up. Sanchez de Malicki describes artsvest as both “inspirational and transformational,” equipping the museum with the knowledge and confidence to engage with funders and collaborators effectively.
For Sanchez de Malicki, arts organizations are more than creative hubs; they are reflections of society and catalysts for community growth. “When arts thrive, communities thrive,” she says, highlighting the essential role of arts in fostering connection and communication. Thanks to artsvest, the museum is better positioned to amplify its mission, ensuring Hispanic communities have the visibility they deserve in Canada. Her advice to others considering artsvest is clear: “Definitely do it! The support, mentorship, and financial opportunities are unmatched.”
Photos by The Canadian Hispanic-Latin American Virtual Museum (CHLAVM)
Funders
artsvest in Ontario is made possible by the Government of Canada and the Ontario Arts Council
