About Us

Organizational Background: Central to the Loco Bloco's purpose and programming is the use of the arts as a tool for the empowerment of youth of color to overcome injustice; to adopt healthy, active lifestyles; to contribute positively to and serve as leaders in their communities; and to embrace ethnic and cultural diversity. Our programs incorporate social, artistic and physical goals, encouraging youth to perceive themselves as direct contributors to their neighborhood's cultural-wellness and social vitality.

Annual reductions in State funding for education have had a deep and destructive impact on the arts and music programs in California schools. Long ago most inner-city public schools lost funding to continue quality performing arts departments, meanwhile crime and violence caused by gang behavior increased.
Loco Bloco was founded in 1994 by community artists and activists of color to provide low-income, minority and immigrant families access to professional level arts education at no cost. Since Loco Bloco's inception more than 6,000 youth and their families have benefited from training and performance in high-quality percussion, dance, visual arts, theater arts, stilt walking, civic engagement, youth leadership training and physical and mental health education.  Each year, approximately 600 young people between 4 and18 years of age directly participate in Loco Bloco's afterschool programs at San Francisco schools and community centers. 

Through special events (please link to events page) , more audiences and communities are exposed to Loco Bloco's philosophy of youth empowerment through the arts.  Loco Bloco's major events include: all New Works Concert presented in early December ; International Women's Celebration Event presented throughout March; Carnaval season, which includes our Youth Carnaval Jam , SF Carnaval Parade and SF Pride Parade , during May and July; and Loco Bloco's summer Cultural Youth X Change