Following the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Cuba was left in an economic crisis of their own known as the special period. Blackouts and food shortages were a big concern for the Cuban people at this time, and there was little room for comfort. With little hope left, the Muraleando Project was founded to help people cope with their problems through the expression of art.
Muraleando is a large community center located in the outskirts of Havana with the purpose of promoting art and music. With an emphasis on community, locals are encouraged to unite and collaborate on projects together. Many of the artistic material produced by Muraleando consists of everyday items and appliances as well as debris found on the streets of the city. The community center allows for locals and even tourists to appreciate the artwork made from these objects. Muraleando shows young children that any object is capable of being transformed into art if enough effort is put into it. Many members of this project volunteer their time to teach children how to paint, dance, and sing outside of the children's regular education.
Manuel Díaz Baldrich led his community into completely revamping the area, making canvases containing limitless opportunities out of broken-down walls. When asked about his drive, Díaz told Xinhua News: “This is the neighborhood where I was born, where I grew up, played, studied, got married and where my children were born. And I always felt I needed to give back [for] what it gave me.” In 2010, Muraleando finally acquired a proper facility which was an abandoned water tank referred to as "El Tanque." It has since developed into a vibrant space for art galleries, workshops, and regular performances. The Muraleando Project was so influential internationally that it led to Cuba earning the National Prize for Community Culture.
The internet does not contain much recent information concerning Muraleando, which is why I ask: Is the Muraleando Project still as popular as it once was? Also, how many active members are there today? I understand as well that implementing the arts in education is a priority in Cuba. When considering this, how much knowledge and experience coming from Muraleando is being instilled into the education system?
Hello! This post provides great a great overview of the Muraleando Community Art Project. It sounds like the community center is a place that fosters the arts and creates a sense of committee. I also found it hard to find up to date information about the place I was assigned. I think one of the reasons there is a lake of online information is because of the lake of internet connection in Cuba. The photos that are included in your post are eye catching. I love how they are filled with different colors. I also love how they are different forms of art.
ReplyDeleteThe Muraleando Project seems to be a small community run operation. Considering minimal amount of information available it is quite possible popularity for the local art is dying down with decreasing member count.
ReplyDeleteThis community project appears to be a great manifestation of Cuban values surrounding art. I cannot imagine that such an impactful collection would disappear over time, it must still be going and has likely expanded if anything. Even if the education system does not directly expose students to this project, many of them probably have seen it or know someone who has contributed to it at some point.
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