Cuba: Fábrica de Arte Cubano

An artist by the name of X-Alfonso is the sole mind behind the hottest art hub in Havana, Fábrica de Arte Cubano. X-Alfonso began his musical journey at the age of 7. When he was 16 and 17 he began playing jazz and fusion music. X-Alfonso started his music career with a group called Estado de Amino while attending music school. Eventually, with time, he became a well-known musician in the Cuban scene with his diverse and gripping music. X-Alfonso went on to produce 5 amazing genre-bending projects. He then started his work as a video clip maker and directed the documentary, Sin titulo. This documentary, X-Alfonso claims, is the reason he came up with the idea for the FAC (Fábrica de Arte Cubano). After convincing Cuban politicians that his idea would be the most important cultural project in the country and he was right.

It was decided an old cooking oil factory was to be used as the base for the FAC. Not much was changed on the inside and outside of the building except for the use of white paint on the walls. Pipes are still hanging from the ceilings and the industrial style has been maintained. The giant space provides dance floors, galleries, collaboration spaces, drinks, and opportunities for local artist to share their work or play live. This makes it a great space for dancers, musicians, filmmakers, and painters. It is an energetic space with tons to offer and has a space for everyone. 

According to Time magazine, the FAC is one of the one hundred best places in the world to visit. There is truly nowhere else one can find an experience quite like the one the FAC provides. The combination of rich culture, loud music, abstract art galleries, dance floors, and Cuban culture is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. This deems it a must to visit the FAC once if traveling to Havana.

The FAC has become an important part of the social, cultural, and even political aspects of Havana. The success of the FAC has displayed the positive impact of cheaply available fun and collaboration of the arts. It has been so successful there is usually a line till it is closed. X-Alfonso even received the title of Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF for his artistic work with and for children. Because the entry fee is less than half of the typical cover at a club in Havana it gives all a chance to experience the beautiful arts offered in the city. This resulted in an uptick in positive socialization. It also creates more opportunities to learn about the history and culture of Havana. Lastly, X-Alfonso proved to the people of Cuba that positive change is possible and can be done correctly.

It is clear how cool the FAC really is, especially for foreigners. Learning about what the FAC has to offer was very insightful. I learned that, though the government is not democratic, there is still a possibility to create change. I also learned how diverse the art is in Cuba and the extent to which it is part of Cuban culture.

Do you think you would visit the FAC?

Why if yes?

What do you think the success of the FAC does politically?

Do you think the success of the FAC gave the people of Havana a sense of empowerment?