Corral Falso 259 and the Beautiful Utopia of Shared Art (+Photos)

One of the most vibrant cultural spaces in Guanabacoa, a municipality in Havana, blends rigorous artistic standards with essential community outreach. This Art Lab, known as Corral Falso 259, is not only a venue for compelling curatorial projects—it’s also a creative workshop for local children, guided by sculptor Tomás Núñez (Johnny).

Aligned with the community-focused vision of the Cuban Writers and Artists Union (UNEAC), Núñez brings together educators to equip children with the tools to grow both artistically and personally—fostering skills and unlocking potential.

«Since its inception, this cultural lab has maintained a steady schedule of activities with children who have grown spiritually and gained the preparation needed to enter art schools,» explains Núñez, also a cultural promoter. He highlights how Corral Falso systematically cultivates creativity, promotes values, and supports both pedagogy and artistic practices through a collaborative aesthetic.

“The space is wonderful for children,” says one of the project’s teachers. “It helps them develop imagination, become more creative and engaged, interact with other kids—and, of course, learn.” Children and parents alike agree, expressing gratitude for the education and love for art and culture fostered here.

This enduring spark of childhood creativity from Guanabacoa has caught the attention of renowned artists, including Lesbia Vent Dumois, 2019 National Visual Arts Award winner. She emphasizes that Corral Falso is far more than an exhibition hall—it’s a space that helps us understand the human condition.

“Working with children, seeing that they’re being given opportunities to grow intellectually and physically, to engage with their environment and community—and that their parents are involved—makes this a project that deserves support, encouragement, and continuity,” said Vent Dumois, who also serves as a UNEAC vice president.

Every Saturday, families gather at the workshop, witnessing their children’s artistic and personal development firsthand. For many, it has become a pathway to new vocations and a meaningful alternative to screen time.

The home that houses this initiative—where the line between popular and academic culture disappears—belongs to Johnny and his circle, a space dedicated not only to shaping future artists but to walking with them along a shared path toward the beautiful utopia that art so vividly paints.

Tomás Núñez, also a gallerist and UNEAC member, has curated significant visual projects through Corral Falso 259, including exhibitions like Regresiones del Yo, Meter la Habana en Guanabacoa, and Las once mil vírgenes, featuring acclaimed artists such as Zaida del Río, Alfredo Sosabravo, Arístides Hernández (ARES), and Juan Moreira (1938–2022).