Non-Profit Organization Raises Money For New Arts Institution

The Mestizo Institute of Culture and Arts (MICA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing together communities through art. Community members have come together in efforts to achieve MICA’s current goal, to raise $5 million in order to create a permanent landmark art institution on Salt Lake Valley’s West side.

MICA hopes that this institution “will serve as a full service community art center and museum, bringing a variety of programming, exhibitions and educational opportunities to one of Salt Lake’s most under-served neighborhoods.”

The mission statement of MICA reads, “Our mission is to strengthen and build community through arts, civic engagement, and dialogue. We provide space to those who engage community through their work, are from underrepresented communities, or use art as a tool for social change.”

To this, art teacher Nicole Warner said, “I am totally onboard. As someone from and who lives in West Valley, I know the importance of building up a community. I feel that something like this is needed, especially in areas of less socioeconomic opportunities.”

Warner agreed that art could improve communities and individuals. “Anything from the fine arts to graffiti can benefit everyone.