On August 22, the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC, in Spanish) will celebrate its 64th birthday. Amidst strengths and challenges, the artistic vanguard charts its course. This year's celebrations began with a tribute to Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro on the 99th anniversary of his birth. The presentation of a poetry solo (promotional leaflet for the Culture and projects) dedicated to the eternal leader of the Revolution, among other initiatives, adds color to these days of joy.
However, the institution's regular program in the province is not far behind. Especially in the summer, invitations have emerged and others have been strengthened, providing the public with new options, which are so necessary for a city where offerings in this regard are still far from satisfying public demand.
La cuerda azul (The Blue Ribbon) is one of the most recent venues. Despite this, it is gaining more and more followers due to the diversity of cultural expressions it brings together and the charisma of its host, the troubadour Richard Gómez. In fact, in relation to the proposal, the UNEAC Facebook page recognized “its integrative nature and its representativeness in each of the manifestations of art.”
Beyond the performances of the creators, which are valuable in themselves, the activity reflects on creative processes, delves into the life and work of the protagonists of the sector, exchanges ideas, analyzes realities... It is about literature, plastic arts, theater, sounds, and much more within the reach of the public.
"The Music section of UNEAC asked me for a trova project. Then Miguel Díaz Nápoles, president of our organization in the province, suggested that I expand it so that, based on that style of song, it would bring together the rest of the artistic expressions and, at the same time, be a space for fraternization among the members. I thought it was a great idea and got to work," Richard told 26, totally satisfied with the reception and the reach this dream has had.
So far, according to several opinions on the cultural event, La cuerda azul has left the most demanding palates with the taste of a worthy cultural proposal, which we hope will continue because, moreover, our people deserve it.
For its part, Plano abierto (Wide Shot), born this summer season, approaches the world of celluloid and, although it has not yet reached the level of audience it should have given its successful conception, it is an invitation worth defending. Although this province hosts the Cinemazul Film Appreciation Festival, the Humberto Solás and Titón halls, film clubs such as Carpe Diem, and a few other isolated initiatives, it still lacks sufficient activities in the so-called Seventh Art.
Plano abierto, led by singer and visual artist Martha Borrell, promotes quality audiovisual screenings at the Caracol theater of the UNEAC. Art films, Cuban cinema, art documentaries, and interviews with various creators are part of the event's proposals. In addition, critical thinking, interdisciplinary dialogue, and appreciation of contemporary expressions of art and culture, both local and international, are encouraged there.
The Facebook page Escritores y Artistas Las Tunas offers more information on these and other proposals. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy and grow.
