Puerto Rico’s art world has been left reeling from a series of disasters that have hit the island in recent years, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the latest hurricane, Fiona, which hit on September 18, 2022, a group of artist-run galleries and cultural spaces have come together to support one another. Citizen-led initiatives have proved more effective than government-sponsored programs, and the collective consciousness of Puerto Rican citizens has been expanded to include looking out for their neighbors even in the off-season.
One example of these initiatives is Taller Libertá, which shifted its programming from experimental theater and workshops to assist collaborators and provide services to locals, including offering their facilities for electrical needs, replenishing water, and facilitating for collaborators Casa Cuna Publishers and Educación Emergente to distribute donated food. They had previously adapted their space during Hurricane Maria in 2017, serving as the birthplace and center of operations for Brigada Solidaria del Oeste (Solidary Brigade of the West), a community initiative that organized and distributed all kinds of donations for the region as well as providing special assistance.
Similarly, the Museo de Arte de Ponce (MAP) offered their campus and a variety of services to residents of Ponce and nearby towns. The museum supplied free Wi-Fi and charging stations, assisted with the distribution of ice and hot meals, and provided free admission to their exhibitions, which have remained open because the facilities operate on electric generators. The museum also began a program called “The Museum Takes to the Streets” to provide workshops to children in shelters and improvised outdoor schools in baseball fields within the affected communities during the earthquakes.
While citizens of Puerto Rico have learned not to rely on the government or sponsored programs, these collective initiatives have helped to strengthen the community spirit of the island, bringing artists and art spaces together to rebuild following a series of disasters. Through their adaptability and support for their neighbors, Puerto Rican citizens have expanded their imagination and the scope of what it means to trust and look out for each other.