The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico Presents Key Initiatives to Foster Innovative, Inclusive, and Participatory Approaches Between Visual Arts and the Communities It Serves

  • New Creative Community Development Center (CEDE)
  • Call for Artist Residency Applications for a Local Artist Beginning in April 2024

The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR), with a renewed mission led by Dr. María Cristina Gaztambide, executive director of the institution since last year, aims to foster the Museum’s growth in alignment with the needs of the communities it serves. As part of this vision, MAPR is launching two key projects to expand its reach and impact, while creating new opportunities for the creative community from a fresh perspective.

“MAPR has a long history of strengthening the artistic ecosystem through numerous initiatives. For instance, in 2006, the Artist Assistance Program (PROA) was created to support professional artists through various services. However, times have changed, and MAPR is also undergoing a transformation as it approaches its 25th anniversary. We recognize that the needs of the artistic community are different now, especially after the pandemic, so we decided to relaunch this initiative with the introduction of the Creative Community Development Center (CEDE),” explained Gaztambide.

Meanwhile, Annie Y. Saldaña, CEDE’s manager, added: “I am very excited to lead this initiative, which marks a new chapter in MAPR’s institutional history. This is a project I have dreamed of for many years, reaffirming my commitment to our creative community. It was important to me that the Museum recognize and support other forms of creativity beyond visual arts, including design, cultural management, writing, and more disciplines we will continue to incorporate over time. We aim to provide a space that fosters personal and collective growth, transforming, advancing, and strengthening the creative community’s practices.”

Current Offerings from CEDE:

  • Professional Training: Educational programs focused on professional development for creatives. This includes individual talks and, later on, a professional development course.
  • Artist Residency: An artist residency for a local artist hosted at the Cecilia Orta Allende Gallery-Workshop at MAPR. In 2024, applications open in May, and the residency will be awarded to an Afro-descendant artist.
  • Artist Directory: An online platform to enhance the visibility and recognition of visual artists. It will be developed in phases according to the work plan for the launch of MAPR’s new website in 2025.
  • "In the Studio": An initiative featuring visits to artists’ studios to introduce creatives and the spaces they work in.
  • Mentorship Services: Personalized guidance and advisory services for artistic and professional development.

“We are eager to bring fresh energy to the Museum, develop programs that resonate with our diverse audience, build new partnerships, further strengthen existing ones, and welcome more people to MAPR, the Museum for everyone,” concluded Gaztambide.