Founded in 1974 by Puerto Rican and Latino artists and activists in the North Kensington area of Philadelphia, Taller Puertorriqueño (Taller) stands as testament to the wealth of possibilities they created. Motivated by the absence of creative outlets, Taller’s founders developed a community-based graphic arts workshop to provide cultural training alternatives to local youth.

For almost four decades, Taller has continued to be a vital resource for progress in the Barrio and the region. It is now recognized as a model organization that uses the arts as a vehicle for social change. In its evolution, Taller has gone from a grassroots, Puerto Rican graphic arts community center to a respected institution that celebrates the arts of Puerto Rico, Latin America and the Caribbean. Providing an outlet for neighborhood children and youth, by providing after-school activities and programming rich in artistic and cultural discipline, remains central to the organizations ongoing work.

Known as El Corazón Cultural del Barrio, The Cultural Heart of Latino Philadelphia, Taller Puertorriqueño promotes local and international artists while doing the daily work of transforming children and youth’s artistic visions into realities. Taller Puertorriqueño now encompasses the Julia de Burgos Gift Shop, the Lorenzo Homar Gallery, the Robert E. Hernández Theater, and educational classrooms along Philadelphia’s historically Latino North 5th Street commercial corridor.