Cuban Connection

In 2011 a new phase of the project, called “The Convergence of Two Cultures. The Similarities and Differences between Nova Scotia and Pinar del Rio” or in short “Similar yet Different,” begins.
The purpose of this phase is mainly educational, showing that even though there are differences between the two provinces, there are also many things we have in common. Thus, the project favours artistic exchanges while promoting Art in Nova Scotia (Canada) and Pinar del Rio (Cuba).
The project includes an exhibit of “mobiles of art pieces”. The exhibit is made of more than 20 columns. Each art piece represents a scene of equivalent activities as performed in Nova Scotia and Pinar del Rio. Importantly, the exhibit includes Art made by children, not only adult Art; it highlights the value of children’s Art, often forgotten.
Thanks to the participation of adolescents from a high school in Halifax, and their Cuban counterparts, the perceptions of teens will be included. The students from the high school are generously collecting valuable materials for the project’s “wish list,” materials that will be taken to Cuba to help implement the project. Thus, teens are helping teens in Cuba, and becoming involved in promoting Art while practicing cooperation and solidarity.
Another crucial element of the project is that the exhibit of “mobiles of Art” is not limited to museums or Art galleries, traditional places where Art is found. Instead we are expanding the notion including innovative venues and bringing Art to people who normally would not visit museums or Art galleries. For example, we are taking the exhibit to schools, churches, community centres, homes, and even outdoors.
This next stage in Cuba will include “Casa Cultural Las Ovas” and possibly similar centers like Casa focused in the promotion of health and education. It will include also the creation of a book, a catalogue of trees, in Pinar del Rio implemented with support from University Forestry students and High School for the Arts students. We will have exhibitions throughout Pinar del Rio, as well as workshops, presentations and events. We will take part of the Celtfest in Pinar del Rio and Havana.
This project is a bright beginning and other opportunities for cultural exchanges between Canada and Cuba will surely follow. The model here used can be easily applied to other areas of Canada to favour similar cultural exchanges with a focus on Art. It would be possible to extend it further to implement Art exchanges between Florida in the US and Cuba, for example. The potential for growth is unlimited.