Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Elvis Alway-Baker
Hi Joe Elvis, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to founding the Multicultural Arts Foundation of Saint Louis (501c3 nonprofit) has been shaped by years in the arts, a deep connection to my Nuyorican heritage, and a commitment to uplifting underserved communities. I began my career in the Bronx, with formative years spent in Puerto Rico. Performing has always been in my blood, and my career as an entertainer brought incredible opportunities—from signing with multiple agencies to performing on local and international stages, working on over 500 shows, and performing for Spanish royalty, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia. Later, I spent 23 years in Los Angeles, where my experiences in performing, teaching, and advocating for diversity through CYT (California Youth Theatre) set the foundation for my life’s mission.
As I transitioned from performer to director and choreographer, I also spent over 33 years teaching Theatre Arts and Dance. During that time, I developed a deep desire to give back to the community in a lasting way. The arts were not only my life’s work but also a powerful pathway to growth, healing, and empowerment—especially for those who might not have easy access to them. My spouse and I adopted two sons, Isaiah and Emmanuel, through foster care, which further opened my eyes to the needs of children and families who could benefit from arts outreach and supportive programming.
When I stepped down from teaching in 2021, it felt like the right time to pour all my experience, my love for the arts, and my passion for cultural representation into the Multicultural Arts Foundation of Saint Louis. This foundation is dedicated to making the arts accessible to everyone, especially in historically underserved communities. Our vision includes opening the Multicultural Academy and Conservatory of the Performing Arts. Our programs strive to nurture creativity, build resilience, and give individuals of all ages a platform to express themselves, feel seen, and be celebrated.
I’ve also partnered with The Rize to bring a unique dinner-theater experience, offering both commercial and faith-based productions. During the summer, we’ll provide youth-led summer camps and productions. We’re currently working on securing a separate location to offer performing arts classes for all ages, from children to adults.
It’s been an incredible journey—one that keeps me grounded in my purpose every day. The Multicultural Arts Foundation isn’t just about performances or classes; it’s about creating a safe, inclusive space where art can transform lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building the vision for the Multicultural Arts Foundation and the school hasn’t been a smooth road, and in many ways, that’s expected when you’re trying to create something impactful from the ground up. The journey has been filled with challenges, each one highlighting the profound need for accessible and inclusive arts programming in our community.
One of the primary obstacles has been securing funding and resources. Arts nonprofits often face financial constraints, and with a mission focused on underserved communities, it can be an uphill battle to find partners who understand the long-term value of investing in arts accessibility and education. Fundraising requires constant effort, pushing us to be creative and resilient to keep our programs moving forward.
In addition to financial challenges, there have been significant logistical and bureaucratic hurdles. Navigating the red tape involved in acquiring a dedicated space for classes and events has been time-consuming and, at times, frustrating. Establishing a school involves working through extensive regulations, permissions, and carefully balancing community needs with available resources.
Another layer of resistance has come from individuals who question the very idea of a multicultural arts entity in St. Louis. We’ve heard remarks like, *“We understand Black and White, but we don’t understand this multicultural approach,”* or *“Your school’s vision is too ‘outside the box’—you won’t be able to unite people in a segregated city.”* But instead of letting this deter us, it’s strengthened our resolve.
One thing I’ve come to realize is how often we hear, *“St. Louis is a segregated city.”* My response has always been, *“Let’s roll up our sleeves, unite, and put our words into action, working together to change that narrative.”* And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
Despite the obstacles, each struggle has made us stronger and more focused. We’ve found incredible partners who share our vision, and the community support—their belief in our mission—keeps us moving forward. Every hurdle reinforces why we’re doing this: to create a safe, inclusive space where people can access the arts and feel empowered. These struggles are part of the process, and they make every success that much more meaningful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the Multicultural Arts Foundation of Saint Louis, our mission is to make the arts accessible, inclusive, and transformative for people of all backgrounds, traditions, and languages. We’re dedicated to nurturing creativity, fostering self-expression, and building community through a wide range of programs. Our specialty lies in educational opportunities within the performing arts—from theater and dance to music and cultural storytelling. As part of our vision, we’re working to open the Multicultural Academy and Conservatory of the Performing Arts (MACPA), which will provide people of all ages with a platform to express themselves, grow, and feel celebrated.
What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to multicultural representation and bridging cultural divides in a city often perceived as fragmented. We’re challenging the status quo by creating an environment where all cultural identities are welcomed and celebrated. In a city frequently labeled as segregated, we don’t shy away from the work of inclusion. Instead, we’re creating opportunities for diverse voices to be heard, valued, and appreciated.
Our foundation is more than performances or classes; it’s about creating a safe, inclusive space where art can transform lives. Our theater and performing arts department will offer instruction in dance, vocals, music, and acting. In our education department, we’ll cover directing, producing, scriptwriting, set and costume design, building, lighting and sound design, Foley, and stage management. We’re also excited to incorporate culinary arts, partnering with award-winning chefs to offer a healthier dining experience, along with agricultural education to expand our community impact.
This holiday season, we’re thrilled to present one of my faith-based plays, the musical comedy *Mama Kicky’s Mixx-Nutz Christmas Celebration,* featuring an incredible cast of actors and singers. Join us for this joyful dinner-show experience!
In partnership with The Rize, the Multicultural Arts is also excited to announce our 2025 theater season, which will include *Fences*, *Chicago*, *Five Guys Named Moe*, *Company*, *Next to Normal*, and *Having Our Say*. We look forward to bringing these diverse and powerful stories to the stage and to our community.
What drives us is knowing we’re building something unique and impactful—a place where people can come together, challenge stereotypes, and embrace a shared humanity through the arts.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As someone with dyslexia and dyscalculia, I’ve always found myself drawn to challenging the expectations placed on me. Reading was incredibly difficult for me as a young boy. I remember struggling to get through even a few pages, but I found a way to work around it by having someone read scripts aloud to me. This helped me connect with the sound and rhythm of language, which became essential to memorizing lines. Over time, I learned to recognize words by sound patterns, which unlocked the door to a love of reading.
Today, I make it a point to read several books each month, but one book stands out above all others: *An Actor Prepares* by Constantin Stanislavski. My 5th-grade teacher, Miss Gonzalez, gave it to me in the Bronx, and I still have that copy. That book set me on my path in the arts and taught me that being an artist is as much about discipline and self-belief as it is about talent.
Some other books I turn to for inspiration include *Teach with Strengths* by Rosanne Liesveld and Jo Ann Miller, *Building the Successful Theater Company* by Lisa Mulcahy, *Start Something That Matters* by Blake Mycoskie, *Be Amazing or Go Home* by Shep Hyken, *Cast of Mentors* by Ken Davenport, *Finishing Well* by Bob Buford, and, of course, the Scriptures.
Each of these books has helped me grow in different ways, whether in teaching, building a theater company, or simply persevering through tough times. They remind me that success is a mix of faith, resilience, and always learning. Overcoming the challenges of reading has made each book feel like a victory and each lesson something deeply earned, which I hope inspires others to break through their own barriers.
Pricing: n/a
Contact Info:
- Website: www.macpa.org and www.therize.biz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JEAlway
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/MACPAstlSC
