New Cultural Spaces Pay Tribute to Santiago de Cuba’s 500th Anniversary

As part of the 2015 work schedule, the culture sector in Santiago de Cuba has begun the second stage of the process to complete the task that are being undertaken to celebrate 500 years of the city.

Click on Santiago de Cuba: A City of 500 Years

Such old buildings as the Emilio Bacardí Museum and Eastern Gallery are going through a restoration process, while other contemporary constructions will be adapted to new structures in terms of the program design and new social roles to be played.

During a conversation with MSc. Tania Fernández Chaveco, Provincial Director of Culture, she shared details on such projects by mentioning the Bacardí Complex, which includes Cultural Workshop and Art Hall, as well as the House of Music and Ceramics, African Cultural Center, among many others.

Mrs. Fernández explained that, according to the schedule, the main constructive actions are going to be carried out between February and June 2015, since the aim is entering July with most of the works ready for the festivities.

Antonio Bravo Correoso Cultural Atheneum, a gorgeous property nestled in Santo Tomás Street, is one of the institutions that require more restoration works and, once it’s remodeled, it will become a multipurpose Cultural Center to promote art.

Ferreiro Youth Center, located in a privileged area of the city, is another project that is being developed in Santiago de Cuba and will become a gastronomic complex with stores, cafeterias, combining fine arts with large posters created by Cuban authors, as well as literary and musical promotion.

Fernández Chaveco mentioned that “the plans include building another recreational center at the Astro Bus Station, Revolution Square, a new space to showcase all artistic expressions”.

Likewise, what used to be the House of Music is set to be repaired and opened as an Art Gallery with gastronomic service, so the first one will be moved to the Alameda area.

Undoubtedly, the cultural sector has important challenges to be faced in Santiago de Cuba and, even with new projects and larger recreational spaces, the quality and variety of options are to be improved.