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Blanky Arts outlines teen center, multicultural programs and festival plans in Seaside presentation
Summary
Blanky Arts (Palenque Arts) told the council it has expanded educational classes, opened a teen center, staged multicultural concerts and will offer a 10‑week spoken‑word workshop with UCSC; the group described free youth programming, a May/June performance schedule and a free April event at the World Theater.
Seaside, Calif. — Blanky Arts (Palenque Arts) gave the City Council a progress report on March 6 describing an expanded arts education program, a newly opened teen center, and a slate of multicultural community presentations and festivals.
The nonprofit’s executive director, Juan Sanchez, told the council Palenque Arts has operated in Seaside for nine years and now provides music, dance, literary and visual arts classes at a campus site and a teen center opened last June. The group reported free weekly classes for local youth (instrumental and performance classes, visual arts, Aztec dance and leadership programs) and a waiting list for several popular classes.
Why it matters: Blanky Arts said the teen center provides a “third space” for Seaside teens — rehearsal and leadership space, free membership and programs that staff described as pathways to careers (audio production, live‑sound training and mural work). The organization said the teen center’s model emphasizes both arts instruction and youth employment pathways; staff and board members noted partnerships with UCSC and others for upcoming workshops.
Key points from the presentation
- Programs: The nonprofit said it offers music ensembles (jazz combos, mariachi and youth instrumental instruction), visual arts and performing‑arts classes, teen leadership and mural programs.
- Teen center: Soft‑launched in June. The center offers free memberships to Seaside teens, rehearsal space and a teen leadership cohort; an opening event was reported to be scheduled for the same night as the council meeting.
- Upcoming events: Palenque Arts described a 10‑week spoken‑word workshop beginning in April, in partnership with a UCSC professor, culminating in publication and a performance on June 7; a free production (Paradise Blue) will be staged at the Oldemire Center with free tickets, and a larger Palenque Arts festival is planned in June.
- Funding and staffing: The presenters said they are exploring hiring a director of operations and a community engagement coordinator to support growth and sustain free programming; they thanked the council for grant funding that, they said, helped launch the teen center.
Council response and context: Councilmembers thanked the group for its community service and for the presentation required by the community social service grant program. City staff noted the presentation served as a grant report showing how city funding has been used to support ongoing youth and community events.
Speakers: Juan Sanchez, Executive Director; Jocelyn Rosendiz, program assistant; Dr. Manuel (Manny) Nunez, board president and local school district assistant superintendent.
Ending: Blanky Arts asked the council to continue its support; the group will return as needed with grant updates and performance dates.
