Belongó and Arturo O'Farrill announce launch of capital campaign for Casa Belongó, a culture hub for creativity, collaboration and community engagement

Belongó (formerly known as the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance) and founder Arturo O'Farrill announce the launch of the capital campaign for Casa Belongó, a brick-and-mortar culture hub in East Harlem that fosters community engagement across Greater Harlem, the Upper East Side and beyond.

O'Farrill said: "As the birthplace of Afro Latin Jazz, the creative spirit of East Harlem is a perfect representation of  our mission: to use music as the entry point for service to the community, and to reflect back to that community the beauty and ingenuity of its citizens. With the right support, Casa Belongó can shape the future of El Barrio, and preserve its diverse legacy by building a vibrant culture hub that will enrich future generations and symbolize community growth and inclusivity. We hope to create a welcoming space where this city's diverse communities can gather together as one family."

Located on Park Avenue at 118th street in East Harlem, and designed by the renowned architectural firm Diller, Scofidio + Renfro, Casa Belongó will span 20,000 square feet and include a 300+ capacity, state-of-the-art performance space, a café and jazz club, classrooms and meeting areas, and more. In addition to hosting the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, the FatCats youth orchestra, and international headliners from around the world, the performance venue will be available at below-market rates to neighborhood groups for community meetings, recitals, and more. Additionally, the center will serve as a space for Belongó's music education programs, including The Fat Cats Youth Orchestra, Belongó Music Academy (K-12), and Global Rhythms in our Tribe (GRIOT). Casa Belongó will also house adult education events, intergenerational ensembles, dance and exercise classes and many more community engagement initiatives. Upon completion of the building, Belongó will expand its free Pueblo Harlem Family Festival, Belongó School Performance Series, and programs for seniors. Practice spaces and classrooms will be available at subsidized rates to arts organizations throughout Harlem and beyond.