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The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center (CSV), a 501 (C) 3 not-for-profit, was founded in 1993. The CSV Cultural Center is a Puerto Rican/Latino cultural institution that has demonstrated a broad-minded cultural vision and a collaborative philosophy. While CSV's mission is focused on the cultivation, presentation and preservation of Puerto Rican and Latino culture, it is equally determined to operate in a multi-cultural and inclusive manner, housing and promoting artists and performance events that fully reflect the cultural diversity of the Lower East Side and the city as a whole.

In addition, our flagship resident theater companies like Teatro La Tea ,F.E.L.T. (Fantastic Experimental Latino Theater) and SEA all mounted their original productions, demonstrating that their use of subsidized space in the Center leads directly to cultural production and public service.

The 53 visual artists with studios in the building are predominantly non-Hispanic. They are practicing artists with professional careers, creating new works in their studios, exhibiting in commercial galleries and museums and often teaching in schools and universities across the city and region.

CSV continues to be the home to sixteen performing arts and educational organizations – 13 are resident groups (with designated space in the Center) and three are affiliated organizations that use the Center's facility for rehearsals, creative development and FREE public performances. These are flourishing companies that are enhancing the artistic and cultural life of New York City through their diverse educational workshops and public performances.

CSV IS:

• A vibrant downtown arts center for contemporary arts and a haven for art related community services.

• An ensemble of four theaters, studio space program for 53 artists, and exhibition and performance spaces.

• A sustainable, innovative and diverse community of theater artists, puppeteers, musicians, dancers and visual and media artists.

• A Center for the development and promotion of Latino theater.

• A forum for artists and performers to engage with the public and discuss their work.

• A community center providing unique learning opportunities for elementary, middle and
  high school students.

• A gallery/café venue that both nurtures and exhibits art, music, dance,
  film/video and poetry.