Latino communities find healing through art with Aliento’s Cultiva program

Aliento, a nonprofit serving students, dreamers and immigrant families, believes the power of art can open doors for dialogue and healing, especially in Latino communities where stigma around mental health can run deep.

Through Aliento’s arts and healing program, Cultiva, students and their families are discovering new ways to transform pain into strength. Cultiva Program Manager Ileana Salinas joined “Horizonte” to discuss the discoveries they’re making as immigrant families participate in art therapy programs.

Salinas explained one issue for immigrant families is the uncertainty about what might happen to them or their families.

“Every day the news [is] changing. Every day the news [is] telling us about all the rates or the detentions. And so that brings a lot of uncertainty, a lot of anxiety and stress,” Salinas said.

Salinas also noted this “sense of powerlessness. People who have been here for decades are now anxious about whether they will be allowed to continue staying in the states.”

Salinas said Cultiva is vital for the immigrant community. “It allows people to take these feelings that they’re experiencing and process these feelings through art.” For those going through a difficult time, art can help process different emotions and help “transform some of that pain into strength.”

If you are are interested in learning more you can contact For more information, visit the Aliento website or find them on on Instagram and on LinkedIn at AlientoAZ.