The Bronx-based International Salsa Museum® (ISM) powers promise to open in The Bronx and continue to lead the charge to preserve and advance the legacy of Latin music history.
The cultural institute said on Monday that it is hosting another year of immersive programming — scholarships, digital experiences and in-person events with new awareness partners by their side, starting this spring, with a year-long centennial tribute to the prolific contributions of Latin jazz and salsa pioneer, Tito Puente.
Since forming in 2021, the cultural institute said it has built a “commendable case” for its establishment, while generating endorsements from a wide range of local residents, merchants, stakeholders and government officials — scoring over 10, 000 signatures of support, all envisioning how the Bronx will be uplifted, both economically, and in spirit, by housing a state-of-the-art museum like ISM.
“The International Salsa Museum will be the only museum dedicated solely to preserving Latin American music traditions and honoring the paramount role Latinos have played in shaping pop culture”, said Willy Rodriguez, ISM’s co-founder and executive director.
“Although it will take years for us to break ground, the time is now to harness our energy to make The Bronx, ISM’s home, elevating the borough’s musical legacy worldwide, and empowering deserving local residents with a hub primed for continued cultural advancement,” he added.
Last year, ISM held its first pop-up museum event during the 20th New York International Salsa Congress, one of the world’s most prominent Latin dance events, attended by 7, 000 enthusiasts.
ISM highlighted the week of events honoring salsa icon Víctor Manuelle for his outstanding three-decade-long career and dedication to advancing the genre’s legacy.
“The Puerto Rican singer met with fans, surprised guests with an electrifying impromptu performance, and publicly endorsed the importance of opening The International Salsa Museum,” ISM said.
It said the pop-up returns Labor Day weekend 2023 to Times Square, and, this time, open to the public.
ISM said it fuses music history preservation and empowerment to honor Latin music legends, support contemporary artists and “extol the virtues of unsung heroes of the past and the present.”
It said these initiatives, which launched in New York City, will ultimately expand worldwide.
For more information on ISM’s upcoming programs, concerts, virtual tours, artist collaborations, and debut catalog of relics, please visit internationalsalsamuseum.org and follow @IntlSalsaMuseum.
