The Havana Biennial opens on May 22, 2015
Cuba is Changing. Be there to witness history. President Obama just announced an historic change to the US/Cuba diplomatic relationship. The Biennial trip will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this beautiful country before its unique culture and charm become a thing of the past.
The Havana Biennial is a city-wide Art Exhibition that was established in 1984. The first Biennial was dedicated to artists of Latin America and the Caribbean. In 1986, the Biennial stretched its reach to artists from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, who exhibited their works along-side those from Latin America. Hosting the Biennial has made the city of Havana THE venue for the gathering and exhibition of under-represented global artists. The program for the 2015 Biennial reflects a melding of these diverse artistic cultures. The title, “Between the Idea and the Experience” is a projection of art beyond the museum and gallery. The Biennial will not have a central exhibition area, but will take place throughout the city in historic and unique spaces that enhance the nature of the artwork. The Biennial will feature dance, theater, cinema, music and literature in spaces that are not merely backdrops for the artist’s expression, but are an integral part of the artistic experience.
Be prepared for FABULOUS!!!
Cuba is set to open it’s gates to more tourism over the next few months and it’s only a matter of time before the Cuba we have come to know and love is completely re-imagined as a Cuba of the future. It’s time to schedule your trip now, while the charm and unique culture are still vibrant, yet on the cusp of exciting change.
On this trip, you will learn about the culture of Cuba, meet the Cuban people, learn the history of the renown Cuban style of architecture, experience Cuba’s soul-moving music and its deep rooted culture. You will experience wonderful concerts, visit artists in their studios, attend the opening ceremony of the Biennial, have cocktails at the famous Hotel Nacionale and dine at the hottest restaurants and paladares (private homes) in Havana, sampling Cuba’s newest and most exciting food scene. Cuba’s warm and welcoming people are waiting to engage with you and learn first hand about Americans and our values. The visit will also include a day trip the country town of Vinales, where much of the tobacco grown for the famous Cuban cigars is harvested. This visit will allow you to experience the mythic Cuban countryside.
What is People to People travel?
In 2002, US President Obama reinstated People to People educational travel, which allows Americans to travel to Cuba, via a specific license, issued by the US Department of the Treasury (OFAC). On December 17th, in what’s being dubbed “The Hanukkah Miracle”, President Obama announced historic changes to the US/Cuba 60-year-old stale-mate between the two countries. I have put together a full time schedule of People to People activities designed to promote meaningful interactions between Americans and the people of Cuba, as required under current OFAC regulations. People to People travel is not tourist oriented or self directed but it is both rewarding and unique. It allows participants to visit a wide scope of organizations, institutions, and community projects that provide a deeper understanding of Cuba, its people and its culture.
Trip Details
* Meet and greet at LAX
* Arrival assistance at JOSE MARTI INTERNATIONAL Airport, HAVANA, CUBA
* Cuban Visa
* Transfers to and from the airport to hotel
* Medical Insurance in Cuba
* Accommodations for 6 nights at the The Prestigious Hotel Parque Central (HAV)
* Daily breakfast at the hotels
* 4 Dinners
* 6 Lunches
* A Day trip to the country town of Vinales with lunch
* A ride in a fleet of Old American Cars
* Transportation for the whole program.
* Full Spanish-English translation by professional Cuba based guide
* Artist studio visits
* All-access pass to the 2015 Biennial
* Program Management in Cuba
* Cuba Travel Tips and other traveler guidance
* Licensing cost for People to People travelers