Summer at Uneac: Con la esperanza del mundo
The belief that childhood is a decisive stage for developing artistic sensitivity and creativity is one of the driving forces behind Con la esperanza del mundo, a summer initiative created by the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (Uneac) that transformed the gardens of the House of Associations into an ideal setting for artists, children and their families.
The idea for Con la esperanza del mundo originated with Uneac President Marta Bonet and received the support of the organization’s five constituent associations.
During the 2026 season, the Wednesday morning program featured highly acclaimed artists and groups, who adapted—or created—their performances with the venue and the intended audience in mind.
Many of the gatherings were hosted by oral storyteller Dayana Deulofeu, who, through stories and songs, built a beautiful bridge between creators and their audience.
The series opened with Maykel Chávez and El Universo de Federico Maldemar, followed by singer-songwriter Rosa María Campo (Tía Rosa). Among the most memorable events, given the technical and logistical effort involved, were the presentation of the show Los Van Van enamoran a la Cucarachita Martina by La Colmenita Children’s Theater Company, directed by National Community Culture Award winner Carlos Alberto “Tin” Cremata; a concert by Sonido Auténtico, the children’s orchestra of the Manuel Saumell Elementary School of Music, conducted by Maestro Janio Abreu; and La fiesta de Pelusín del Monte, presented by the Matanzas-based Teatro de Las Estaciones, led by National Theater Award winner Rubén Darío Salazar Taquechel.
The La Proa Theater Group and its production Tres en un barquito, inspired by a story by Onelio Jorge Cardoso, were also warmly received. Other highlights included a performance by clown Rollo, played by actor Rigoberto Rufin; a morning of songs and games with Enid Rosales, Ernesto Parra (clown Papote), actor and playwright Maikel Chávez and his character Federico, together with writer Adriana Pino; and the season finale, which saw Ernesto Parra return to the Uneac gardens, this time with the show Clownpamento and the children’s workshop Narices Rojas, presented by Teatro Tuyo.
The Uneac Association of Visual Artists, through its president, Janette Brossard, and vice president, Ramiro Zardoya, enriched the Wednesday sessions with engaging interactive activities featuring a variety of artistic techniques, including aquatint, stencil and freehand drawing. The activities produced a diverse collection of “works” that were exhibited in the Villena Hall during the closing event.
Over the course of two months, Con la esperanza del mundo underscored the need to continue fostering spaces where art and culture become tools for learning, interaction and spiritual enrichment for both artists and young audiences.
It also highlighted Uneac’s ability to bring its members together and the vitality of Cuba’s home of the artistic avant-garde as a venue for welcoming an attentive and enthusiastic audience that has become a regular presence, helping to build a strong bridge between new generations and the most authentic expressions of Cuban artistic creation.
Source and photos: Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba.
Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez
