La Peña is an interdisciplinary cultural and educational organization dedicated to the enhancement of art in all its forms. La Peña's mission is to support artistic development, to provide exposure to emerging local visual artists, musicians, poets and other performing artists, and to offer Austin residents the full spectrum of traditional and contemporary Latino art.

La Peña was founded in 1981. In its first years, La Peña was an informal group that organized Peñas (community gatherings) featuring music and art exhibits. La Peña was incorporated in 1983, received non-profit, tax-exempt status in 1985, and was granted arts umbrella status from the City of Austin in 1986. It has since become a cornerstone of the cultural life in central Texas.

Our ongoing services include:

• sponsorship of musical performances by both local and national Latino artists
• co-sponsorship of film festivals and community celebrations
• liaison between the city and community projects
• instructional lectures and workshops
• a bi-monthly newsletter
• technical assistance to artists
• an artist referral file
• a visual art space
• sponsorship of the Floricanto Literary Festival

La Peña is funded by public entities such as the City of Austin under the auspices of the Arts Commission, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts; by private foundations; and through individual and corporate donations. With this financial support and with the invaluable, vital help of many skillful and dedicated volunteers, La Peña has been able to expand its projects. La Peña is proud of its achievements; any success it enjoys, however, is merely a reflection of its support by the community.