After power grid outages that virtually shut the country down and in turn cancelled my initial travel plans, early November I was back to Cuba on the first flight available. I spent two weeks this time, working once again in the incredible community project known as ProyectongO in the heart of the San Miguel Del Padron neighbourhood.
This incredible community project now consists of spaces for art, music and dance workshops, an exterior courtyard for events and performances, a small café area for community use, a fitness room for martial arts and there’s even the possibility of a gallery and office area in the near future.
To say this privately owned project is a growing concern would be an understatement… every year there is growth. The sole purpose is to provide access to all ages in the community free of charge and where possible to employ others within the neighbourhood to promote a sense of pride, belonging and commitment to bettering their community.
As always, I am honoured to be given the opportunity to help out as needed and to bring some artistic experiences to the children. This year my workshops were full of excited faces eager to jump into whatever activity I had planned. This time the underlying theme was “miniatures”, primarily due to the acquisition of a miniature art gallery that I brought and assembled while I was there. The idea was to create a “tiny” but very real gallery space that could display small creations but also could be photographed and exhibited on social media for the world to see… an opportunity to also learn the behind-the-scenes work of exhibiting, curating and running a gallery space.
I am always asked how Cuba is doing, what’s it like, why do I go back?
Life in Cuba is not easy, it hasn’t been for a long time, but since Covid it has really suffered. Many of the faces that I used to see every year in our favourite restaurants and hotel are fewer and many have left their country looking to start again elsewhere. It’s understandable but also sad. Those who have chosen to stay or simply can’t leave must hang on to the hope that things will get better. If there is one thing I can say about my Cuban friends is that they are devout and remain hopeful that their government will find a way to take care of its people.
I must confess this year was difficult and heart wrenching for me to experience. Aside from the daily power outages, fuel and food shortages, I witnessed a desperation in the eyes and actions of its people that I have never quite seen before…. And yet they carry on as best they can. And that is why I keep going back…. Because if I can help in some small way I will try, if only to conduct an art workshop or two that brings in an eager group of kids and provides them with a few hours of joy, an opportunity to use their imagination and a sense of pride with what they create, so be it.
If you would like more information on this project or would like to contribute in some way please contact myself or I can put you in touch with the Project’s director Yoan Barrios.
