A press conference earlier this week confirmed that the project to create an International Salsa Museum (ISM), located in “salsa county,” also known as the Bronx, has been underway.
The organizers have dedicated a lot of time and effort to preserving the culture and influences of salsa throughout Latin America.
Its mission is to help shape the future of Latino musicians and artists.
Willy Rodríguez, Lilly Reyes and Damaris Mercado, all co-founders of the International Salsa Museum, had been developing the idea for many years, but decided that now is the perfect time to push it forward.
“Fortunately, Manny, Willy and I got together about six months ago and decided to start working and now we are officially incorporated as the non-profit organization of the International Salsa Museum,” said Lilly Reyes in an interview with Eyewitness News in New York. York.
They hope to be able to use the Kingsbridge Armory in Kingsbridge Heights, located at West 195 Street and Reservoir Avenue, a street also known as “Celia Cruz Way.” The co-founders are targeting a 50,000-square-foot space and want to add other sections to the museum, such as educational programs dedicated to dance and the arts.
“Education is going to be very important in the museum, we think about combining family programs and even some kind of mental health assistance service,” Reyes said.
Before joining the ISM project, Reyes was a licensed social worker for over 10 years.
“I’ve been working with people from the most vulnerable communities in New York,” he said.
Mercado wants to add internships, internships and scholarships and as much practical experience as possible.
“Whatever the age, we want the students to go out and put into practice the knowledge they have acquired in the museum,” Mercado said.
Rodríguez hopes to add special items donated by famous salsa artists to the collection.
“Preserving the history of salsa is very important,” he said. “I’ve already spoken to salsa legends in the music industry who have dusty items in their closet.”
Salsa is a musical style with a unique blend of African and Caribbean roots. It was initially created in eastern Cuba at the beginning of the 20th century.
The rise and popularity of salsa grew in the early 1960s, when Fania Records was founded by up-and-coming musician of Dominican descent, Johnny Pacheco.
In 1968, a talented lineup of artists known as the Fania All-Stars was born and included legends like Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz, and Willie Colon, to name a few.
Over the years, salsa singers like Marc Anthony, La India, and Victor Manuelle have made the genre more prominent for new generations.
Salsa is still heard in the homes of countless Latinos across the country.
It’s the reason ISM is becoming bigger than the co-founders thought possible.
“It is very important to preserve that cultural heritage,” Reyes said.
The museum is scheduled to open in early 2025.
For more information on ISM and if you are interested in donating, visit their website.
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