Today Cuba is in the midst of an artistic boom. Some have even suggested that the island is in a state of ‘artistic overproduction'. At the Havana Art Biennial in May 2015, visitors were overwhelmed by the incredibly diverse, complex, sometimes provocative, and often humorous art work. For a month Havana was awash with art – inside galleries, and in every imaginable space outside.
The US blockade continues to set up obstacles for the Culture Sector's scope and for the development of the country's cultural heritage. In the 12 months to June 2016, this policy has cost Cuba $29,483,800 dollars. The U.S. market could be the principal source of supplies for a significant group of raw materials, materials, tools and equipment with which the country's artists, artisans and designers work if the blockade did not exist. But these products have to be imported by Cuban institutions from third countries, thereby involving prices that are up to 40 percent higher.
Read up on important books on Cuba for Black History Month – history, politics, poetry, fiction, testimonial
During Cuban Culture week, art companies and organizations including the experienced and award winning Guantanamo Guiñol and members of the Hermano Saiz Association will take their talents to the areas affected by Hurricane Matthew aimed at offering hope and support to the people.
The Provincial Culture Office promotes this solidarity art brigade called Juan Marinello appreciated by the people of Baracoa, Maisi, San Antonio del Sur and Imias and which will also include the traditional musical groups Celso and its Changui.
This set of 8 short stories won well known Cuban writer, Aida Bahr, the Alejo Carpentier Short Story Prize and the National Critics prize when first published in Cuba. This version has the stories in the original Spanish as well as translated into English.
On arriving in the UK in 1997, the virtuoso violinist Omar Puente had already been leader of the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra as well as touring with artists from the Buena Vista stable. This typically Cuban approach of exploring all musical avenues, coupled with a phenomenal technique, resulted in Omar establishing himself as one of Cuba's most distinguished artists.
The ballet star Carlos Acosta has said British companies must do more to extend opportunities to dancers from ethnic minority backgrounds. The acclaimed performer is bringing his new Cuban dance company to Sadler's Wells for its first UK show. The former principal guest artist with the Royal Ballet said he wanted talented British hopefuls to train at his Acosta Danza Academy in Cuba, which will help young dancers from deprived backgrounds prepare for the international stage.
Join the Cuban Salsa Flashmob at Grand Central station, Birmingham (the new New Street station) main concourse at 3pm – with members of the VAMOS Cuba cast from Havana and local salsa dancers this Saturday 29 October.
Cuban actor Jorge Perugorria, star of 'strawberry and chocolate' and many other great Cuban films, has been invited to become a member of the Film Academy in the US as part of Hollywood's attempt to have a more diverse membership judging the Oscars.
The animation studios of the ICAIC will present a video game inspired by the popular Cuban TV knowledge quiz programme ‘El Selecto Club de La Neurona Intranquila' in August, in the context of the Art Fair in the Rampa, Havana.
A 24-hour TV Satellite broadcast of Cuban audiovisuals will reach US audiences on the CubaMax TV channel following a joint accord reached between the Cuban Radio and Television Institute and Dish Network TV.
A new Cuban film arrived in cinemas in May: Esteban, Jonal Cosculluela's debut picture, which has seen the director deviate from sex and violence to tell a beautiful, moving story.
Cuba50 competition – Free ticket to see Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor in London + Meet Maykel and the band!!
Danza Contemporanea de Cuba (Contemporary Dance of Cuba – DCC) has always been characterized by its distinctive style, creativity and mixture of techniques, all tied together by a universal language.
Mayra and Esteban fell in love with each other when they were very young. They promised to love each other in spite of the physical distance, and when this actually occurred, they were only able to meet again 40 years later. How everything changes after 40 years! The body, the way of thinking, hopes… People grow old and the process is cruel, whether you live alone or not, but the need to love and be loved never changes.
Cuba 50 
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