The effects of Hurricane María were devastating for Puerto Rico: the entire island felt the impact of the biggest natural catastrophic event in the last 100 years. Unfortunately, the emergency continues as 75% of Puerto Rico remains without electrical power and about 25% without running water. During this crisis, the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR) has redirected most of its resources to insure the protection of its collection.
The MAPR’s collection represents an encyclopedic visual narrative of the history, culture and idiosyncrasy of the Puerto Rican people, through the talent of the most outstanding visual artists from Puerto Rico, beginning with José Campeche. It is imperative that such an important collection be preserved and secured to ensure that its works of art are available for future study and enjoyment.
The visual arts heritage of a community is a fundamental pillar of its culture and identity. Amid this emergency, the MAPR is leading its rescue efforts to protect and preserve Puerto Rico’s visual arts heritage by opening its doors to the art collections of other cultural institutions in Puerto Rico that need safe, climate-controlled facilities. As a result, while continuing to preserve its collection, MAPR has become a temporary depository for these cultural and visual arts institutions, providing a safe shelter for their collections.
MAPR's affiliation to the Smithsonian Institution paved the way for an immediate emergency grant intended to procure the necessary fuel and supplies to start the preservation of the art collections, MAPR’s own and those of other art and cultural institutions. However, there is much more to be done!
That is why we are launching our fundraising campaign SÚMATE. Donations to this campaign will guarantee that future generations can have access to these magnificent art collections to study and enjoy the rich and diverse legacy of Puerto Rico’s visual artists.
What we are asking from you is to help us spread the word and share this link: https://www.fundraise.com/museo-de-arte-de-puerto-rico/smate-museo-de-arte-de-puerto-rico-puerto-rico-museum-of-art among your contacts, relatives and all the people that you understand that could extend a hand to MAPR in this work of patrimonial rescue. We would appreciate if you can share this link through the communication platforms you have available: newsletters, social media profiles and emails. If you wish to make a check, please do it in the name of the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and send to PO Box 41209, San Juan, PR 00940-1209.
Your support to the MAPR, will contribute to the preservation of Puerto Rico’s visual arts heritage and culture. Shall you need additional information, please contact Ms. Myrna Z. Pérez, Development Director at mperez@mapr.org or 787 376-4317.
Please, join us in being part of something bigger and SÚMATE!
Sincerely,
Marta Mabel Pérez
Acting Executive Director
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR), an entity accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, and Heritage to the People of Puerto Rico, is a private non-profit institution, incorporated in 1996, and open to the public since 2000. It is a 501 (c)(3) organization and your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. The MAPR's mission is to enrich the lives of its diverse audiences by providing them with the knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts of Puerto Rico and the world.