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