Get out into San Juan and the surrounding areas to experience the culture and community of Puerto Rico!
Register now to reserve your space in these limited-attendance sessions. Please register for only one session.
Check the conference program on site for bus departure times.
Join a panel of experts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Vermont Arts Council for a discussion on how and why state arts agencies can support and implement climate change awareness and actions through partnerships and training. Participants will have time to explore the surrounding rain forest and purchase artwork by local artists.
SPECIAL NOTE: This session entails a 40-minute bus ride to El Portal and a 40-minute bus ride back to the hotel.
REGISTER for Navigating Climate Change.
This session is limited to 150 participants.
Photo courtesy Discover Puerto Rico
Join El Tambor Mayor Jesús Cepeda for an in-depth look at the creation of bomba drums and the history of bomba as both the foundation of salsa and the sound of the resiliency of Puerto Rico. Participants have a chance to interact with Jesus and the drums in their various stages of creation.
REGISTER for Bomba: Instrument of Resilience.
This session is limited to 60 participants.
Photo courtesy Discover Puerto Rico
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
Head to the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico (MAC) for a presentation and discussion on creative placemaking, cross-sector civic engagement, and the democratization of art with MAC Executive Director and Chief Curator Marianne Ramírez Aponte and Andanza Executive and Artistic Director Maria D. Villanúa (Lolita). Time is provided for a self-guided tour of MAC’s current exhibitions.
REGISTER for Creative Placemaking and the Democratization of Art in Puerto Rico.
This session is limited to 60 participants.
Photo courtesy Discover Puerto Rico
Casa Bacardi, 200 PR-165, Cataño, 00962, Puerto RicoJoin artist Jorge González Santos and a network of collaborators for a collective learning experience based on the principles of the Escuela de Oficios (Trade School) platform. This practice is informed by close contact with knowledge holders from the artisanal community of Puerto Rico and involves learning about natural fibers and a traditional Puerto Rican lace technique called soles de Naranjito. This conversation-oriented session will be a space of connection, experience and memory, to delve into the sun-lace technique as a process to envision and develop relationships of care-kin-centered futures.
REGISTER for Escuela de Oficios: Sustaining and Growing Cultural Traditions.
This session is limited to 40 participants.
Photo courtesy Jorge González Santos
Discover Puerto Rico’s vibrant art scene with a guided tour through the artistic heart of Santurce. This experience takes you on an exploration of the El Gandul community and the historic Calle Cerra, both at the center of Santurce’s cultural renaissance.
As we walk through this bustling art district, you’ll be immersed in the richness and depth of Santurce’s cultural landscape. You’ll witness firsthand how art serves as a powerful tool for resilience and community empowerment, even as the area grapples with the stark contrasts brought by gentrification in recent years.
The journey begins with “La Ruta,” a tour of Santurce’s alternative artist-run spaces. These unique galleries, operated by the artists themselves, play a crucial role in urban regeneration, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional public and private galleries. You’ll visit spaces like Recinto Cerra and El Lobi, where the latest exhibitions showcase the dynamic energy of Puerto Rico’s contemporary art scene.
The artwalk tour continues with a guided walk along Calle Cerra, renowned for its world-class street art. Each mural tells a story, featuring large-scale works by both local and international artists that reflect themes of resilience and cultural identity. This street art tour offers a deep dive into the creative spirit that makes Santurce a vital hub for artistic expression and cultural preservation. Join us to explore how art thrives in Santurce, transforming spaces and enriching the community.
SPECIAL NOTE: This session is a walking tour. Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen are highly recommended.
This session has reached its capacity of 25 registrants.
Photo courtesy artsWalk Puerto Rico