Eduardo Díaz
Eduardo Díaz, director of the Smithsonian Latino Center, is a 30-year veteran of arts administration. In this capacity he is responsible for fulfilling the Center’s mission of fostering appreciation of Latino culture by sponsoring, developing and promoting Smithsonian exhibitions, collections, research and public programs, both in Washington and across the United States. Previously, Díaz was the executive director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC), the largest Latino cultural center in the United States. Before joining the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Díaz operated a small consulting firm, serving arts organizations, local arts agencies, statewide advocacy organizations and community-based organizations, specializing in grant-making programs, business and strategic planning, cultural facilities planning and cultural and heritage tourism. In 2001, Díaz co-founded the International Accordion Festival, a free outdoor music festival, in San Antonio. From 1989 to 1999, Díaz served as director of Cultural Affairs for the city of San Antonio. Díaz earned a law degree (1976) at the University of California, Davis, and a bachelor’s degree (1972) in Latin American Studies at San Diego State University. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.
