Supporting Illinois' Arts Sector

The Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC) stands as Chicago’s longest-running Latino cultural center, founded in 1971 to honor Puerto Rican patriot Segundo Ruiz Belvis. As a multidisciplinary arts organization, SRBCC is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural expressions of Puerto Rico and Latin America, emphasizing their African heritage. Over the decades, it has become a vital cultural anchor in Chicago, particularly for Puerto Rican, Latino, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Latino communities on the city’s West and Northwest Sides. Through music, dance, theater, and more, SRBCC fosters artistic excellence and intercultural understanding, providing a platform for historically underrepresented artists and communities.

This October, SRBCC is hosting a lineup of events that showcase its rich programming. On October 16, La Cantera, the center's Afro-Caribbean jazz ensemble, will perform at The California Clipper, presenting a fresh and energetic set alongside guest artists. The Afrodjia Social Club, featuring DJ Sadie Woods, will offer an immersive deejay performance and pop-up supper club on October 24 at SRBCC. Closing the month, the Barrio Bugalú “Brujería” Edition on October 30 promises an all-ages salsa party with a $500 prize for the best costume. These events perfectly capture SRBCC's dedication to engaging the community through lively and diverse cultural experiences.

Executive Director Omar Torres-Kortright emphasizes the importance of community and artistic development, stating, “The Illinois Arts Council’s support helps us keep SRBCC open as a home for artistic possibility. Professional artists bring ambitious ideas into our space, emerging musicians develop their voices through La Cantera, and visiting artists can deepen their work through La Resi. Across disciplines, we’re committed to giving artists the support to make new work and share it with our community.” His words highlight SRBCC's pivotal role in nurturing creativity and providing a welcoming environment for artists to flourish.

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) proudly congratulates Juan Dies and Victor Pichardo on receiving 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellowship Awards. As announced by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), this lifetime honor recognizes their exceptional work in preserving and promoting Mexican son—a cherished tradition of regional music from Mexico. The NEA honors these artists for their dedication to cultural heritage and their role in shaping America’s cultural landscape.

Juan Dies and Victor Pichardo have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting Mexican son, a vibrant tradition of regional folk music from Mexico. Since co-founding Sones de México Ensemble in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood in 1994, they have been instrumental in ensuring that this music remains a vital part of the American cultural landscape. Their work has brought Mexican son to national stages, including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Dies, who also holds an MA in Folklore/Ethnomusicology, remarked, "Chicago was a catalyst for so many things. I don't think our work would have turned out like this anywhere else." Their commitment to education and performance with Sones de México has fostered a new generation of musicians.

The award ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., with events on September 29 and 30, culminating in the National Heritage Fellowships Awards Ceremony at the Library of Congress. IAC’s Deputy Director, Encarnacion Teruel, and Program Director, Susan Dickson, were in attendance. For more on their inspiring journey and the full transcript of IAC's recent interview with Juan Dies, click HERE. For more information on all the 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellows, follow the link below.