For ten days in November, ReimagineArt had the exceptional opportunity of joining an educational team traveling to Cuba. Fortune was on our side, as our trip – planned well before the current thawing of political relations – fell during this historical transition. Old Glory had only flown over the American embassy in Havana for several months, and the 140 black flags that once blocked the view of the building were no longer, leaving nothing but bare poles.
Pinar del Rio, the beach region on the western tip of the island, delighted with horse-drawn carriages hailed more often than cabs, as did a gorgeous tropical shoreline enjoyed mostly by Canadian and German tourists. The somewhat lackluster Cardenas surprised with zippy cyclists in spanky outfits, and awed with sweeping views of the lush Viñales Valley. Havana recalled grand European cities, only worn with age with little maintained or refurbished in the 50-plus years of economic stagnation since the onset of the US embargo and the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba’s once economic supporter. A timba band set us swaying at the stately Hotel Nacional, and the colorful American muscle cars of the 50s – freely sold prior to the shutdown – did not disappoint. A cab ride in one of these beauts cost but a few tourist Cuban Convertible Pesos (equal to $1 US) — not to be confused with the Cuban Peso used by locals. Interestingly, tourist pesos are not usable in establishments selling goods for locals (e.g. groceries and clothing) and US citizens pay a 10% tax on dollars exchanged to tourist pesos while other non-American tourists do not. The likenesses of the brothers Castro and revolutionary Che Guevara as well as billboards extolling the virtues of socialism pepper the surroundings.
Even still, evidence of impending change abounds with hotels at full capacity, renovations of dilapidated buildings and craggy cobblestone streets in Old Havana, and a few private enterprises popping up such as restaurants and casas particulares, a type of B&B. Rumor has it that American big box stores are poised to set up shop on the isle. Mixed feelings on that one, as the average Cuban lives on around $25 per month along with meager government food rations, but the relaxed and simple Cuban way – a far cry from bustling capitalism – faces inevitable change. We were startled when our upstanding Cuban host talked pragmatically of the Black Market as a commonly employed method for making ends meet.
ReimagineArt donated over $800 of sorely needed art supplies to hospitals, schools, and youth groups. We trained medical personnel in sensory art techniques for special needs children, co-created hanging murals for team building with professional groups, and provided art experiences for 60 students at a school for autistic children. No matter where, no matter with whom, barriers melt away when it comes to creating together ~ different language, different culture, different politics, different abilities, but happily united around art!
ReimagineArt was delighted to be able to leave supplies for continued art appreciation at each location we visited.
