In East Harlem, a cultural arts center was finally made a reality after being a dream for ten years. The people in the Harlem community were excited to hear that something was built that would be a positive contribution to their community.

John Pier, an artist, said "This is the first time my art has been respected by the community. Art is my life!"

The Cultural Center was named after Julia de Burgos, who was a Puerto Rican poet that died on the streets of East Harlem in 1953. Julia de Burgos was given 5.5million dallars to renovate the building. This building is now used as a high school, an office, a theater, art gallary and it is a possibility of a dance studio and a computer lab.

The center was a comination of ten years of hard work, commitment and dedication by Fernanado Salicrup.

At the opening for the culteral arts center, there were many artist demonstrating their work through the organization.

The people who live in the community feel as though they need more art centers that the people could benifit from. The Julio de Burgos Cultural Arts Center provides the community with an area that serves the people, so they could have birthday celebrations, parties, fund raisers, and banquets. The building is not only a cultural arts center; instead it is a place for the community.  

Michael Burke, a sculptor, stated that "I feel that this is great, what this community has done, and I am looking forward to having my art work in this building for the community to see and enjoy".

Sandra Petheacute, an associate director, said "This is good for the kids, so they can see work from different cultures, it will really uplift the community by putting a different feeling in the community". The artists' works are extremely beautiful. You can see the artist thoughts when you look at their art."

"I express my feeling's on the canvas," stated one of the artist, who has been painting ever since his childhood.