Art In This Present Moment
Drumming for Unity: John Salgado Maldonado’s Vision for Community Change
It's hard not to get lost in a trance when you hear the rhythms from Cimarrón Batucada. Created by community member, occupational therapist and artist John Salgado Maldonado, Cimarrón Batucada uses the art of drumming to address social justice issues and promote cross-cultural community engagement.
The name Cimarrón was given to the slaves in South America that were able to escape from captivity and Batucada refers to a group of people. Through the power of music, they come together to form a drum circle drawing inspiration from Brazil and John’s native home of Chile.
In this safe space, John builds cross-cultural relationships with fellow community members and artists in search of finding their voice by introducing them to cultures outside of their own.
With support from Art in This Present Moment, he has been able to invest in training and coaching such as Samba (dance), and purchase instruments as well as shirts for the group.
John’s hope for his community in Willmar, Minnesota is that they become more open to learning about different people, cultures and expressions.
“I came to the United States in 2017. I didn’t see many people like me. So, for me it was either lose yourself or reinvent yourself.”
John Salgado Maldonado
About the Organization
Little Theatre Auditorium is an artist-led nonprofit organization working to amplify the storytelling of artists from immigrant communities and those who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. Based in New London, Minnesota, Little Theatre is part of a rural cultural movement to welcome and support growing diversity in the community.
Art In This Present Moment
This project is part of Art in This Present Moment, an initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. We provided grants to three Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations to fund work by BIPOC artists who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.
More Stories
Inspiring Generosity in the Arts
At a recent Giving+Together event, art leaders addressed the economic and cultural benefits of the arts in our lives.
See the Highlights
Warroad RiverPlace: Where Art Meets Community Engagement
Learn how one arts nonprofit is making art more accessible in Warroad.
Read the story
Chanda Smith Baker Named President & CEO of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
Meet the Foundation's New President & CEO in this letter to community from Board Chair Dr. Joseph Lee.
Read the news
Celebrating the Strength of Saint Paul’s Neighborhoods
Listen to stories from Saint Paul community leaders representing Rondo, Frogtown, the East Side, the West Side and the Mississippi River.
See the impact
1 Day At A Time: Connecting Unhoused Minnesotans to Housing Resources
Learn how Richard McLemore II is bridging the gap between housing resources and those who need them most.
See the impact
Finding Joy in Remembrance: Honoring George Floyd Five Years Later
Leslie E. Redmond organizes commemorative event for George Floyd and reflects on her work as an activist.
Read the announcement
The Foundation Convenes Minnesota Experts on the Housing Continuum
Housing leaders emphasize the economic and social benefits of addressing the state's growing housing crisis.
See the Highlights
A Decade of Growth and Giving
To celebrate retiring CEO Dr. Eric Jolly’s legacy at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, we have compiled a list of highlights and accomplishments during his tenure.
See the Highlights