Community Art Projects in Havana

Jaimanitas Wall

The Cuban government values and supports the arts through education and funding and makes certain they are accessible for everyone. We covered three areas of the island and had a good deal of exposure to artists of all genres in each setting. But in Havana, two evenings were devoted to learning about community art projects and having dinner and discussions on the premises. 

The talented, charismatic Victor

One such project was Muraleando, situated in a Havana barrio. Through the vision, efforts, and persuasiveness of an artist named Victor, this community arts project transformed a literal garbage dump into a place of colorful murals, mosaics, installations, and street art. It’s now a space for performances and an area for art lessons.

Most of the artists work at day jobs and teach music or visual arts at Murealando. The musician who sat next to Annis at dinner taught special education children during the day. He had also been trained as a dentist. 

The artists brought food to share with us, and we tried the signature award-winning cocktail created by the bartender—el tanque (The Tank). We didn’t learn the proportions but it contains coffee and coconut liqueur with rum and a piece of chocolate. Powerful and tasty.

Murealando wall

Once inside, we saw a video chronicling the transformation of "The Tank" and then we were treated to a music performance and encouraged to join in the dancing.

Below, Marty is ready to join in and Sherry dances with the young girl. One of the band members gives Marie a few brief instructions.

 

In Jaimanitas, a village on the outskirts of Havana, another unique art project extends throughout an entire neighborhood. We strolled through the area to see the elaborate decorations on the homes and walls and in the yards. Begun by Cuban artist and sculptor Jose Fuster many years ago, the neighborhood has become an “homage to Antoni Gaudí."

The home of the community's medical doctor

Though we did not get to meet the artist, Fuster, after our welcome drink and a little intro, we roamed through areas of his home and were lucky enough to get a peek into his studio. When someone asked how long Fuster had worked on the house and yard, the reply was “30 years and it still isn't finished."

Fuster's studio

Yard sculptures and buildings

That evening, we sat down on hand decorated cement benches around a colorful, round table with mosaics embedded in the cement top and edges, to a delightful house-prepared meal by Fuster's son-in-law Franklin.