Cuban Artists of Today and Tomorrow

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About us

This program is organized by Meridian Exchanges, a nonsectarian organization which has promoted the development of human capital and international dialogue in Latin America through academic and cultural exchanges since 1999. Programmatic areas include short courses, bibliographic donations and the facilitation of research and creative collaborations.

This program is led by Dr. Nicholas Robins, president of Meridian Exchanges, founding director of the Cuban Studies Institute at Tulane University, and Teaching Professor in the Department of History at NC State University. While this is not a university-affiliated program, Dr. Robins has over 32 years of experience traveling to and working in Cuba, and has been a collector of Cuba art for over 25 years. The author of The Culture of Conflict in Modern Cuba and numerous other works concerning Latin America, he has brought hundreds of people to Cuba on educational and cultural trips since 1996.

Overview

Based in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Havana, this unique program features meetings with prominent Cuban artists, visits to art galleries and private collections and field excursions to artistic and cultural centers. The centerpiece of the program are two art courses for neighborhood youth which are sponsored by program participants. During the courses, program participants will have the opportunity to interact with and work directly with the students during the creative process. All events are conducted in English or in Spanish with simultaneous translation.

In addition, program participants will have the opportunity to purchase Cuban artwork, in some cases directly from the artist. As art is considered “informational material” it may be legally imported into the United States. In some cases, an export permit may be required from Cuban authorities, which can be arranged as part of the purchase process.

Our Cuban counterpart for this program is Tomás “Jhony” Nuñez, a well-known Cuban artist who specializes in integrating recycled products in his works as a means of increasing knowledge of the environment. In addition to paintings and collages, many of Jhony's works are medium and large scale abstract sculptures, often integrating cement and iron. Jhony will offer a discussion on his work and organize art classes for local children in his home, which also serves as his studio, community center and exhibit space You can read an interview with Jhony here, and learn more about Jhony's work at the following links:

Jhony's venue, known as Corral Falso 259, serves as the base for his independent initiative dedicated to increasing and diversifying the cultural patrimony of the historic municipality of Guanabacoa, which neighbors that of Havana. Since 2014, Corral Falso has served as an “art laboratory” providing access to, and support of, contemporary artistic creation in the visual, musical and dramatic arts.

Short courses for local youth have focused on ceramics, drawing, cultural patrimony and art appreciation. Other activities have included initiatives to increase environmental awareness as well as concerts, literary and audiovisual presentations. In addition, since 2019 Corral Falso has organized twenty-four exhibits of paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture. In so doing, Corral Falso 259 develops community cultural values and expression while promoting a wider artistic awareness and vocational preparation imbued with a concern for sustainability and environmental issues.

Logistics

The group will meet in Havana, and participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to Cuba. Consistent with our practice of providing authentic experiences and interactions with a broad range of Cuban society, program lodging is arranged in private homes (casas particulares) in Old Havana. Similar to a boutique hotel, all rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning and access to wifi. Breakfast is included during your stay, and group transport for program-related events is provided by professional drivers.

Tentative Itinerary

Please note that this itinerary may be modified on the basis of participant requests and that excursions and the artists, galleries and collections visited may vary depending on availability and participant interests.

  • Day 1

    • Arrival at Havana's José Martí International Airport, transport to lodging in Old Havana

    • Welcome Dinner in Old Havana

  • Day 2

    • Orientation in Old Havana

    • Group Lunch

    • Visit to Cuba's Fine Arts Museum
  • Day 3

    • Depart to Corral Falso 259 in Guanabacoa

    • Presentation by Jhony concerning his work

    • Lunch with Jhony at Corral Falso 259

    • Art course for neighborhood youth sponsored by program participants

    • Return to Havana
  • Day 4

    • Excursion to Cuba's Higher Arts Institute, designed in 1962 by modernist Cuban architect Ricardo Porro and Roberto Gottardi and Vittorio Garatti of Italy.

    • Group Lunch

    • Visit to private art studio and gallery. Coffee and conversation with the artist.

    • Evening excursion to La Fábrica del Arte (exhibit space and nightclub)
  • Day 5

    • Excursion to the Palacio del Centro Asturiano Art Museum (Museum of Universal Art

    • Lunch

    • Visit to private art gallery. Coffee and conversation with the gallery director and local artists.

    • Visit to private art collection.
  • Day 6

    • Visit to private art studio and gallery. Coffee and conversation with the artist.

    • Lunch

    • Return to Corral Falso 269. Art course for neighborhood youth sponsored by program participants.

    • Farewell Meal
  • Day 7

    • Departure to Airport

    • Return to the United States

Cost

Please contact us for program pricing. You can reach out to us at info@meridianexchanges.com or fill out the form here.

The program fee covers participant lodging in double occupancy rooms, program-related transport and sponsorship of the art course for Cuban children at Jhony's studio. Breakfast is included, as well as the welcome meal, lunch at Jhony's studio, and the farewell meal. Other meals are paid for individually by program participants.

The program fee does not cover airfare, visa (purchased for $100 at the airport in the US), meals (except as described above), laundry, incidental expenses and transport from or to the airport in Cuba. There is a $75 additional charge for a single occupancy room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this trip is conducted under the auspices of people to people educational activities, under section 31 CFR 515.565b of the Code of Federal Regulations. For detailed information concerning U.S. regulations on travel to Cuba, see the link here.

Yes, but irrespective of whether you are a dual national, if you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent or temporary resident you are still subject to the U.S. Treasury Department regulations.

Cuba does not currently have any vaccination requirements, including for Covid. You are encouraged to consult with a medical professional concerning other vaccinations.

There is a maximum group size of twelve people.

No, U.S. regulations do not permit the importation of Cuban rum or tobacco products for personal or other use.

U.S. regulations prohibit tourism in Cuba by those subject to U.S. law. In addition, they require authorized travelers to maintain a “full-time schedule” of permitted activities while in Cuba. The events and activities in this program are in conformity with these regulations, and participants must participate in all program activities in order to be in Cuba legally under U.S. laws. They may engage in non-touristic activities beyond those associated with the program so long as they are consistent with Cuban and American laws.

Unless your credit card is issued from a bank outside of the United States, you will not be able to use it in Cuba. You will not be able to use traveler's checks in Cuba.

Many transactions are carried out in dollars, at a rate negotiated with the vendor. You can change dollars into Cuban pesos at the airport although the rate is very disadvantageous. It is, however, good to have a limited amount of Cuban pesos on hand should the need to use them arise. Please keep in mind that you will not be able to convert Cuban pesos back into dollars or any other currency at the airport.

Havana is one of the safest cities in the Americas, and probably the safest capital city. While violent crime is rare, as with any city, petty crime such as pickpocketing is a risk. For this reason, you should keep any money you have in a security wallet, along with photocopies of your passport and visa. You should also have an electronic copy of your passport and Cuban visa saved to a flash drive, phone and/or other device in case the originals are lost. For detailed information on security and other issues in Cuba, see the State Department website.

No, but it helps! Many people speak English in Cuba, and program-related activities are conducted in English or with simultaneous translation.

Cuba is quite hot during much of the year, and most lodgings require going up at least one flight of stairs. Most buildings are not adapted for people with disabilities. As part of the purchase of your ticket to Cuba, you receive health insurance while in Cuba. You should bring all relevant medications to Cuba, even if you do not think you will need them. It will not be possible to have prescriptions filled in Cuba. Foreigners and diplomats use the Cira García Hospital in Havana, which provides basic medical care.

Given the current economic situation in Cuba, it may not be possible to accommodate dietary restrictions. Many foods that appear to be vegetarian are not; for example, black beans often have pork in them. Overall, however, vegetarian diets are more easily accommodated than vegan diets. As a result, participants are encouraged to bring protein bars etc if desired to supplement their diet.