Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival

Most Latino-themed film releases from major and independent movie studios have consisted of films whose main characters were less than exemplary: drug addicts, pimps, prostitutes, corrupt police officers, maids, janitors and runaways. Very, very few of those films portrayed Latinos in a positive light. Our Latino youth and their families know this, and understand that Tulipanes creates positive change.

Facing historic skepticism from the film industry over the financial viability of "family-themed" cultural events, The Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival, emerging from the heart of America's Great Lakes Region, believes that it is imperative for a Latino family-themed festival to exist, in order to stop this negative trend. Not only are we making our region a better place to live, but we are proving that positive, family-themed movies are in great demand.

Now as a nationally respected cultural event, The Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival:

• Functions as a call to action and promotional venue for local, national and international Latino filmmakers and artists who produce Latino-themed films, art, music and literature in a positive manner.

• Highlights the scholarly work of local, national and international Latino literary, creative and performing artists, supporting their efforts within a high-visibility setting at the grassroots level.

• Successfully educates and entertains youth, families, and seniors of all ages and cultural backgrounds regarding the diversity and success of the historically Latino experience.

• Attracts a "creative class" to the region while empowering the "future citizens of cool."

2001 Accomplishments:

• Concept created, developed and launched in the year 2000, funding raised in approximately 6 weeks.
• Held over 50 events in 10 locations throughout Holland over the course of three days.
• Events included English & Spanish Latino-themed films, celebrities, classical concerts, folkloric dancing, and guest lecturers.
• Received local and regional media attention. 
• Nearly three thousand attended, all events were free.

2002 Accomplishments:

• Festival length expanded to a full week, with over 70 events in 12 locations throughout Holland.
• Hundreds of area youth participated in scheduled events, along with area church-sponsored food and inspirational events.
• More concerts, filmmakers, artists and television celebrities, including three rare, and previously unavailable Cantinflas films.
• Received recognition in Hispanic Magazine, National Public Radio, various national arts publication and regional news.
• Over three thousand attended, all events were free (except VIP Gala).

2003 Accomplishments:

• Held over 120 events in 14 locations throughout Holland, hundreds of area youth participated in and volunteered for scheduled events.
• Hosted a Sister-City Reception with visiting officials from the State of Queretaro, Mexico.
• Held an expanded program of celebrities and industry representatives from Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and more.
• Over three thousand attended, all events were free (except VIP Gala), and increased exposure for regional Latino emerging artists.
• Received recognition as playing a vital role in the "Creating Cool Cities" conference held at the annual Michigan State Conference of Humanities, Arts and Libraries.
• Is a member of the "Creating Cool" Cultural Task Force for the City of Holland.
• Recognized as one of the Top Ten Reasons to Visit Holland by the Holland Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Is a member of the West Michigan Strategic Alliance "Arts & Culture Task Force."

2004 Accomplishments:

• Huntington National Bank becomes the 2004 Presenting Sponsor.
• Full-time Executive Director hired.
• Permanent office location obtained.
• Tulipanes Festival "Hispanic Producers Group" launched for the purpose of developing new television show concept.
• Partnership with Holland Chorale, which includes the launch of "ALMA" - a Hispanic Youth Choir, to perform at Tulipanes '04.
• Community Mural Project results from partnership with City of Holland "Our Street Program."

2005 Accomplishments:

• Consolidation of the number of events into a three day festival Labor Day weekend.
• Central location of events around downtown Holland in Centennial Park , creating a community festival feeling.
• Authentic food and art booths on Friday and Saturday
• Musical and dance performances during the day on stages in the park
• Art exhibits at the Holland Area Arts Council and other locations
• Showings of films, artistic and literary events at the public library, Park and Knickerbocker Theatres
• Significant opportunities for local Latino artists to participate and be recognized