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
Brass Solidarity: Bringing Music to George Floyd Square
Trumpet player Butchy Austin and his band, Brass Solidarity, use their sound for good every Monday in George Floyd Square.
See the project
Minnesota Latino Museum: Celebrating Mexican and Latino Art and Culture
Learn how one organization is establishing an arts and cultural landmark in Saint Paul.
See the Highlights
Announcing Our 2025 Facing Race Award Recipients
This year’s awards recognize five Minnesotans building solutions that unite instead of divide from Saint Paul and Minneapolis to Duluth and Winona.
Read the News
Making Red Wing an Arts & Culture Destination
Art adds value to every community – and in Red Wing, Minnesota, a collaboration is bolstering economic growth and cultural vibrancy.
See the Highlights
A Letter from Chanda On Her First Day
Chanda Smith Baker, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation President & CEO, shares a note to community on her first day leading the Foundation.
Read the letter
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