Increasing Latino Visibility in Marin: Canal Alliance’s Rooftop Mural Project
October 28, 2024
Located at the intersection of the Highway 101 northbound exit ramp into downtown San Rafael, Canal Alliance’s new headquarters at 711 Grand Avenue is central and visible. Atop the roof of our new building, four inspiring murals will tell a visual story of our local Latino heritage. This art holds significant meaning for us as a powerful statement that says, “We’re here. This is home.”
While Latino immigrants and their families represent Marin’s youngest and fastest growing demographic group, they are often unseen and undervalued for their contributions to our economy and social fabric. The murals will serve to educate and inspire Marin residents while portraying the courage and aspirations of the Latino community.
To oversee the project, Canal Alliance established a Mural Project Advisory Group comprised of 10 staff, board and community members, and partnered with The Canal Arts, a nonprofit coalition of 14 Marin County-based organizations that support the creation of public art. Three artists, Pablo Arroyo, Pancho Pescador, and Yano Rivera, have already completed the first two murals as a bold statement on the 101-facing rooftops of the headquarters building. The name of the project, “Threads of Unity,” highlights the project’s goal of bringing our diverse community together through a visual that captures the cultural heritage and vitality of our local Latino community by combining elements from indigenous textiles and cultural symbols.
To date, Canal Alliance has been honored to receive a $20,000 grant from Starbucks and $25,000 from the Downtown San Rafael Arts District, made possible by a grant from the California Arts Council.
The total budget to bring this project to completion is $120,000, which includes costs associated with mural development, artist fees, project management, community engagement, signage, lighting, and installation. If you would like to learn more about supporting this meaningful and inspiring project, please contact Zach Hernandez, Major Gifts Officer, at 415-306-0403 or zacharyf@canalalliance.org.
