A Message From Executive Director and Founder Pepe Vargas
July 8th, 2026
As the newly appointed Executive Director of the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, I am honored to share my thoughts with all of you.
Over the 42 years of stewardship under founder and visionary, Pepe Vargas, the ILCC has become one of the hallmarks of Latino artistic and cultural life in Chicago. I am honored and humbled by the faith placed in me by Pepe and the Board of Directors to lead this organization and am eager to continue serving the Chicago community.
For the last four and a half years, as Deputy Executive Director, I have had the opportunity to expand and diversify the multidisciplinary programming of the ILCC, especially in the areas of music and dance, to more fully realize the mission of the organization. The ILCC has doubled its programming during the last several years and continues to fill gaps in the Latino cultural landscape.
Under my leadership, I will push to create seven equal pillars of artistic programming that include film, music, dance, theater, visual arts, literary arts, and culinary arts. I plan to expand our community engagement to create more substantive partnerships with governmental agencies, community organizations, and universities. Attracting a new and younger audience to Latino arts is paramount to the future of the organization. Of course, maintaining and expanding our existing programming is crucial. The centerpiece of the ILCC’s programming, the Chicago Latino Film Festival, is of the highest priority and I am excited to build on recent successes and implement some innovative elements to the 43rd edition next April.
Admittedly, we are in precarious times. Arts and culture and the Latino community are under tremendous pressure. Resources are scarce and there are many obstacles in our path but this is no time to be complacent. I would venture that our work is all the more important. We must stand up and show the world who we are through one of the greatest weapons in the arsenal, arts and culture. We must be firm and steady, and must push forward despite the challenges.
I share Pepe’s long-held vision of creating a permanent home for the ILCC in Chicago where Latino arts can live and thrive and where everyone is welcome. This has been my guiding light and something that I have been working towards steadily since my arrival. I firmly believe that the future of the ILCC is tied to this vision and will continue working to make this a reality.
I look forward to the challenges ahead and hope that together we can make Chicago a shining example of Latino unity and power through the arts. Your support is crucial to our success; attend our events, donate, sponsor programming, volunteer, and spread the word. Support Latino arts and help us leave a lasting legacy for future generations. ¡Adelante!
Mateo Mulcahy
Executive Director
International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago + Chicago Latino Film Festival
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A History Worth Noticing
That's How Many Years It Took To Get Here
Since 1985, the Chicago Latino Film Festival has been a vital cultural bridge, showcasing the diverse voices of Latin American cinema. Now in its 42nd year, this pioneering festival remains North America’s longest-running Latino film celebration, having premiered thousands of groundbreaking works and launched countless filmmaking careers. Each spring, we transform Chicago into the continent’s premier destination for Latino storytelling.