The different art expressions look at us from above in many occasions, and because of a sense of superiority or that of underestimating the rest of the routines done by humans beings, but because when finding them to more than 300 or 400 meters over the sea level, we notice that from the hights they preserve their essences, and more, they take the mark of the community, many times ignored by the elites.

So, it is always interesting to see a cultural center in the Guamuhaya mountains, in Cienfuegos. There are several, some with better or worse decoration and chronogram of activities, but all transformed into sociocultural axes of their respective communities and neighboring areas. It is like this in El Nicho: the local literary center, near the coffe pulper, it is one of the most attended places especially children who leave at the door, before entering, all their fears and boredom.  

Nobody tells to us, in that house, a little dark maybe, they posed for the pictures, they sang in solitary, duets…, the rooted decima in a mountain style could not be missed and in general sense the atmosphere is salubrious and it allows us to catalyse the advantages of having an institution of that nature.  

Aliesky Escalante Cardoso - a cultural promoter in El Nicho - reveals this. He saw the creation of such an institution ten years ago. "Books are borrowed to children and adults, as well as toys because we have a childrens play center, that especially works with the program Educate your Son. Three times a week we screen movies, and we provide them means to draw.   During the Book and Literature Fair, I go to Cumanayagua and bring as many books as I can and we sell them to the mountaineers.

"Before, when we didn't have this alternative, our work was hindered a lot, because there was no place to gather those interested in different art expressions, nor the interest to promote different art expressions among children. Now, apart from being the main cultural center in the area, we have a close linking with schools, because most of the times we work as a team."

When the locals say: let´s go to the cinema, to the library, to the toyshop, to the theater… they address their steps to the same place, to the place decorated with squares, murals and sculptures as a mark of the presence of previous biennials of plastic arts in the mountains. There they are able to amuse with the rewarding opportunity of enjoying art and being seen by it- without arrogance - from above.

(Taken from 5 de Septiembre)

Translated by: Osmany Ortiz González (Azurina)