Latination
AN ART EXHIBIT DEDICATED TO CELEBRATING AND EXPLORING LATINO CULTURE
What is LATINATION?
Bakersfield, CA — The Arts Council of Kern is proud to announce the return of one of Bakersfield’s most beloved cultural celebrations—Latination—with Latination 12, a two-day festival set for September 5 and 6, 2025, in downtown Bakersfield’s East Chester Arts and Culture District.
Originally founded by Don Martin of Metro Galleries in 2008, Latination quickly became a vibrant and inclusive platform for celebrating Latino artists, musicians, and culture. Now in its twelfth installment, the festival returns bigger and bolder, with visual arts, live music, food vendors, and cultural performances that honor and uplift the diversity of Latinx communities in Kern County and beyond.
Friday night kicks off the festival with the opening of the Latination 12 art exhibition, curated by Don Martin, featuring contemporary works by Latino artists from across the region. Live music by Mento Buru will set the mood, while food, drinks, and entertainment transform East 18th Street into a block party celebrating Latin heritage.
Latination 12: A Two-Day Celebration of Latino Art, Culture, and Community
Friday & Saturday, September 5–6, 2025
Friday Festivities:
5:00 to 10:00 PM
Saturday Family Fun 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
1020 18th Street, Downtown Bakersfield (Between N & Q Streets)
“This festival is about more than art—it’s about honoring the soul of our community,” said Jeanette Richardson, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Kern.
Don Martin, founder of Metro Galleries and creator of the original Latination concept, shared his excitement about the festival’s return: “I was truly delighted when Jeanette approached me about bringing Latination back. This iconic art show is a wonderful gift to our community!”
The Arts Council of Kern and Metro Galleries are working closely with city officials, local businesses, and community leaders to ensure Latination 12 is an inclusive, and unforgettable event.
Call to Artists
PAINTINGS • CERAMICS • SCULPTURE • PHOTOGRAPHY
This is a juried exhibit. All works are submitted and then juried by a panel of community judges.
The selected pieces will be on display at the Arts Council of Kern gallery during the month of September 2025.
Cash awards for Best of Show and several other categories will be presented during the opening reception.
Entry Requirements: Original artwork only. Created within the past year. All artists must complete the entry form with all information requested. A non-refundable entry fee of $10 per entry is required. (3 entries maximum)
Delivery of Work: All submissions are due by August 28, 2025. Art Drop: August 27, 28, 2025 between the hours of 10am and 5pm. All shipped artwork is the responsibility of the artist and must arrive prepaid. Return shipping and shipping insurance is the responsibility of the artist.
Sales: All works submitted must be for sale. The Arts Council of Kern takes 30% commission on all sales. Work will be sold at the price listed on entry form. Artists receive payment on all works sold within 30 days of end of exhibit.
Preparation of Work: All work must be labeled and ready for installation with the proper hanging devices attached. Two dimensional work must be framed or gallery wrapped. Size limit for paintings: no larger than 48 x 48.
Liability: The Arts Council of Kern insurance covers art only while the work is in the gallery. The Arts Council of Kern is not responsible for loss or damage of work while in transit. Submission of entry form serves as an agreement to the conditions listed in this prospectus.
Art Drop: August 27, 28, 2025 – 10am – 5pm
Art Pick Up: October 7, 8, 2025 – 10am – 5pm
Submission Form
Call to Vendors
LATINATION, one of Bakersfield’s most beloved cultural festivals, is back! Join us September 5–6, 2025,
in the East Chester Arts District for LATINATION 12—a two-day celebration of Latinx art, music, food,
and community. The event features an art show curated by Don Martin, live music by Mento Buru, and a
festive block party on East 18th Street. Presented by the Arts Council of Kern and Metro Galleries,
LATINATION honors the vibrant voices and creativity of our Latinx community.
We are looking for the following vendors:
- Artisans/Folk Art
- Community Organizations
- Food Vendors
- Health and wellness
Vendor fee per 10×10 space:
One Day: $150
Two Days: $250
All items you sell must be handmade, and Latin themed items will have priority. We encourage everyone to decorate their booth to fit the theme. There will be a cash prize for the best decorated booth.
You can find the application link below! The deadline to apply is August 13th, 2025.
All vendors must apply through the Google form and will be notified with a payment link if accepted. Booth assignments and set up times will be sent after August 13th. Set up times will be staggered to allow for a smooth load-in process. This is a high volume event, we anticipate 3,000+ people. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Event hours will be:
Friday: 5pm-10pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Contact Alejandra (alejandra@kernarts.org) or Kharisma (kharisma@kernarts.org) with any questions or call the office at (661)-324-9000.
Call to Volunteers
Become a meaningful part of the arts and culture of Bakersfield while showcasing the Latin community!
Volunteer Guidelines:
- Must be 15 years or older
- Wear cool, unripped, comfortable clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended
- Wear sunblock and/or hats for outdoor protection
- Water and food available for volunteers
- Community service credit available
- Select a day and shift on our form
Volunteer hours will be:
Friday: 1 pm – 11 pm
Saturday: 7 am – 5 pm
Contact Sam Sharp (Sam@kernarts.org) with any questions or call the office at (661)-324-9000.
Donate
Support Latination — Celebrate Culture, Art, and Community
Latination is more than just an event—it’s a colorful celebration of Latin heritage through music, dance, food, and powerful visual art created by our local talent. Your donation helps keep this cultural tradition alive and growing, ensuring that artists, performers, and our entire community have a space to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Every contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to making Latination 12 unforgettable.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jeanette Richardson
Executive Director, Arts Council of Kern
director@kernarts.org
661-324-9000
Don Martin-
Latination 12 Curator
donmartin.metromedia@gmail.com
