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 1:00 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
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
