Supporting Illinois' Arts Sector

In 1982, Carlos Tortolero organized a group of fellow educators and founded the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, which opened its doors in 1987. The goal was to establish an arts and cultural organization committed to accessibility, education, and social justice. The museum also provided a positive influence for the local Mexican community, especially since many other art institutions did not address Mexican art.

Over the years, the institution has grown, its audience has broadened, and its reach now extends across the United States and beyond. To support this evolution, in 2001, the museum expanded to a 48,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Pilsen and in 2006 unveiled its new name, the National Museum of Mexican Art.

On September 25th, the museum will unveil Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos, an exhibition reflecting on four decades of the museum's commitment to preserving and celebrating Mexican art and culture through traditions like Day of the Dead. Visitors will also enjoy art installations by young artists from Yollocalli Arts Reach and a community ofrenda for visitors to engage with. Additionally, the 12th annual Día de Muertos: Love Never Dies Ball will offer an evening of culinary delights and live music on November 7, providing a vibrant celebration of life and remembrance.

"Día de Muertos is a special time of year for the National Museum of Mexican Art," shares Jose Ochóa, the museum's President & CEO. "The desire to remember loved ones who have passed is universal, and this year we are honored to mount our 40th annual Day of the Dead exhibition." Barbara Engelskirchen, the Chief Development Officer, adds, "Every year, NMMA incorporates art by Illinois artists into its Día de Muertos exhibitions. I’m excited for our visitors to see what our talented artists and curators have in store for us this year!" These events underscore the museum's dedication to community engagement and cultural preservation.

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.