The recent renovation of the Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Center in Puerto Rico, led by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (ICP), highlights the innovative role state arts agencies are playing in cultural heritage preservation. As the Caribbean’s most significant Taíno archaeological site, Caguana safeguards the legacy of the Indigenous cultures that thrived in the region…
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) contains nearly $200 billion in emergency funding for states and territories to support a continued public health response, build infrastructure and promote equitable recovery. This state-led funding gives states and territories the ability to use these dollars in the ways that are most effective for each state. As with the…
Multiple state arts agencies (SAAs) are offering virtual arts exhibitions to increase visibility for artists and expand public access to their works. While some SAAs have conducted virtual exhibitions in the past, this approach took on new significance during the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical access to exhibition venues was restricted. SAAs are finding virtual exhibitions…
The Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (ICP) is engaging families across the archipelago of Puerto Rico through Cultura Virtual, an online initiative that shares locally sourced creative content. It draws inspiration from the highly successful Cultura Rodante program, which was developed as an emergency program in response to Hurricanes Irma and María in September 2017, then…
In the aftermath of Hurricane María in September 2017, communities in Puerto Rico face steep hurdles. Utilities, transportation and communications remain disrupted and many cultural and civic venues are damaged and have yet to resume programming. The Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (ICP), concerned about the mental and emotional health of populations affected by the hurricane,…