NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

Founded in 1934 by two New York City public school teachers, Casita Maria was the first charitable organization to serve the Hispanic population in New York City. Casita’s 75th anniversary in 2009 coincided with the grand opening of the Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education, a new 90,000- square-foot facility on its property in The Bronx. The center serves as Casita’s operational and programming headquarters and houses a New York City public school with a capacity of 550 middle and high school students. In 2009 Casita served over 500 youth and 2,000 community members with education, arts and social services.

The opening of the new building comes at an important moment in the revitalization of the South Bronx.  Casita Maria moved to the South Bronx from East Harlem in 1961 to better serve its Hispanic community.

“Casita Kids”  include artists Tito Puente, Rita Moreno, and Tina Ramirez, the founder of Ballet Hispanico, all of whom participated in Casita programs as youth.

• Directions: Subway: 6 to Hunts Point Avenue