MOLAA Celebrates 30 Years of Latin American Art and Comics in California

The Museum of Latin American Art Marks 30 Years with Comics and New Exhibitions in California
Latin American art is strengthening its international presence through the 30th-anniversary celebration of the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, known as MOLAA. The California-based cultural institution has prepared a diverse program for December 5th and 6th, featuring independent comics, educational workshops, and tours of historical collections. The initiative aims to reflect the plurality of creative voices from the region and its diaspora within the United States.

The commemoration includes the 15th edition of the Latino Comics Expo—a convention founded by Javier Hernández to highlight graphic narratives featuring Hispanic protagonists. The event will host panels with creators, masterclasses on graphic storytelling led by industry experts, and showcases of iconic titles. Among the new releases is an illustrated reinterpretation of the "Zoot Suit" events, created by cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz.

A Pioneering Convention and Multidisciplinary Exhibitions
Visitors to the cultural complex will have access to its four main galleries. These spaces feature mid-20th-century geometric works by Cuban artist Loló Soldevilla, alongside lithographs by prominent figures such as Wifredo Lam and David Alfaro Siqueiros. The exhibitions also address contemporary migration themes—notably through a multidisciplinary project by Betsabeé Romero, which was previously featured at the Venice Biennale before arriving in Long Beach.

Curator Gabriela Urtiaga emphasized the importance of opening pathways within formal exhibition circuits. According to museum leadership, the institution is committed to breaking down historical barriers for Hispanic researchers and creators. The space welcomes approximately 75,000 visitors annually, operating on a $6.2 million budget and supported by themed festivals centered on the Day of the Dead and Afro-Latinx heritage.

The Evolution of Latin American Art in California
The origins of this institution date back to 1996, when physician Robert Gumbiner decided to display his private collection at a clinic in Long Beach. The organization expanded significantly in 2007, though it later had to navigate financial restructuring and administrative shifts following its founder’s passing in 2009. Over time, the institution needed to redefine its profile to address demands for community representation—a common challenge for entities focused on specific cultural identities.

A pivotal turning point occurred in 2014, when collectors such as Armando Durón and Cheech Marin facilitated the formal inclusion of the Chicano movement into the collection. Previously, the institution’s founding mandate was limited to artists from countries in Latin America. This shift allowed for the inclusion of key figures such as Judithe Hernández, Frank Romero, and Judy Baca, solidifying the presence of Mexican-American artists born in Southern California.

Institutional Challenges and Future Initiatives
To address gender imbalances within its collection, the institution initiated a deaccessioning process in 2020, selling 44 works. With the $200,000 raised, the leadership team—headed by Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas—acquired pieces by artists such as Ana Mendieta and Beatriz González. This move sought to correct a collection in which 80% of the artists were men, bringing the institution into alignment with contemporary standards of cultural equity.

The museum strengthens its ties to the local community by offering free admission on Sundays, providing bilingual signage, and collaborating on educational projects with nearby schools. Additionally, the administration is spearheading a campaign to raise $125 million for a modern facility expansion. The goal includes a collection storage space open to the public, enhanced infrastructure for academic research, and a threefold increase in the space available for student workshops.

Key Facts
MOLAA marks its 30th anniversary as the only institution in the United States exclusively focused on modern and contemporary art from the region.
The Latinx Comics Expo will celebrate its 15th anniversary, featuring over 50 participating illustrators and panel discussions.
The expansion plan aims to raise $125 million to triple the number of classrooms and construct an art storage facility with public access.

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