The XV Annual Conference of the Cuban Cultural Center in New York

The Cuban Cultural Center of New York celebrates its 15th consecutive annual conference, this year dedicated to the history and development of art in Cuba—from colonial times to present-day performance art. The all-day event will not only cover the evolution and the different influences that have shaped the Cuban artistic landscape—through illustrated formal presentations and archival films—but will also include a gallery exhibition with works from past Cuban masters and contemporary artists from both inside and outside the Island. The Escuela San Alejandro, founded in 1818, which has shaped and nurtured generations of Cuban artists, will be highlighted, including the different movements it spawned in the 19thcentury, as well as one of its most famous alumni, Víctor Manuel. The golden era in the arts during the Republic will receive special attention, including its most famous exponents, among them Juan José Sicre, Fidelio Ponce de León, Carlos Enríquez, Cundo Bermúdez, Mariano Rodríguez, René Portocarrero, Wifredo Lam, Agustín Fernández, and, of course, Amelia Peláez, among the most iconic of Cuban artists, to whom the event will be dedicated. Post-Revolution and contemporary exile art will also feature prominently at the event, from Ana Mendieta's earth sculptures, Tomás Sánchez's and Carmen Herrera's works to Teresita Fernández's public sculptures, and El Sexto's performance art. With the participation of artists and scholars from both the Island and the Cuban diaspora, including Tania Bruguera, Baruj Salinas, Gerardo Mosquera, Luis Cruz Azaceta, Ofill Echevarría, Sandra Ceballos, Humberto Calzada, Juana Valdés, Sandra Dooley, Armando Mariño, Coco Fusco, José Bedia, Demi and Arturo Rodríguez, Alberto Casado, Mercedes Cros Sandoval, Geandy Pavón, Gladys Triana,and others. The event will take place on Sunday November 20th, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and will include a special tour of Sotheby's Latin American art collection. There will also be an on-site exhibit of works by legendary artists Wifredo Lam, Amelia Peláez, Cundo Bermúdez, René Portocarrero, Mariano Rodríguez, and Agustín Fernández. A SILENT AUCTION will be held throughout the day, featuring works by the most sought-after contemporary Cuban artists from inside the Island and in exile. For more information visit the Cuban Cultural Center of New York at: http://www.cubanculturalcenter.org/