Arte es Vida is an ongoing program of the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center in San Antonio. Supported by Animating Democracy from 2001 to 2003, Arte es Vida addresses issues of cultural equity and democracy, examining “the role of artistic and cultural expression in a society that inherits the deep wounds, economic and political disparities, and continuing practices of injustice that are the legacy of cultural domination in the United States.” It explores cultural grounding—the concept that a strong sense of selfhood and identity, as rooted in creative expression and cultural practice, is necessary to empower marginalized communities and individuals to participate actively in public dialogue and civic life. In addition to creating, facilitating, and presenting art and cultural events, the Esperanza hosts pláticas (community dialogues) facilitated by animadoras (trained Esperanza staff, artists, and community members).

In telling the story of Arte es Vida, Executive and Artistic Director Graciela Sanchez details four areas of activity within the larger project that reveal underlying cultural, political, and philosophical dimensions of the Esperanza’s practice. These areas are: (1) community revisioning of labor leader Emma Tenayuca; (2) the effort to preserve La Gloria Building and other cultural landmarks in Chicano/Mexicano neighborhoods; (3) the conflict of values within San Antonio’s Westside community; and (4) historical conflicts between Chicanos and Mexicanos in San Antonio. She also articulates a clear statement on the significance of culture itself as a civic issue. The preface, written by Animating Democracy staff liaison Andrea Assaf, highlights some key points of the case study, particularly those that illuminate the role of arts-based civic dialogue work in a cultural organization oriented toward civic action and activism.