Puerto Rico Vive

Puerto Rico Vive was initially a relief effort organized by PRAA to assist victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. This fundraiser effort raised more than $100K which was distributed to non profit 501 (c) (3) organizations that were undertaking amazing initiatives to help those most in need, read more about it here. This effort, with support from the John D. Catherine T. MacArthur, subsequently evolved into a second phase which allowed PRAA to assist emerging musicians and artists with rebuilding their careers. Through our collaborative partnership with The Center for Advanced Studies of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean (CEAPRC), PRAA worked to provide performance and exhibition opportunities in Chicago, IL and Puerto Rico to help artists who had been impacted by the limitations of available exhibit or performance opportunities.

Our presence in Puerto Rico is a key part of the effort to generate resources and audience exposure for the artistic community, and to raise awareness of on-going restoration efforts that have been amplified by the recent earthquakes and now COVID-19. Puerto Rico Vive seeks to positively impact Puerto Rico’s economy by focusing on how music and art are instrumental in reviving the island and establishing the careers of artists and musicians. From time to time depending on the opportunities and/or needs in Puerto Rico, our Puerto Rico Vive initiatives explores new ways of connecting with Puerto Rico. Most recently PRAA collaborated with La Rondalla de Humacao to distribute food to 70 households in the southern part of the island where the devastation affected lower income families.

Over $1 Million Artistic Investment

Over the last 20 years the PRAA has contracted and supported artists from Puerto Rico and the diaspora. Our estimated $1 million investment demonstrates our commitment to providing artists an economic platform for diverse cultural expressions in the USA and Puerto Rico.

We thank the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for their 2019 International Connection Fund support aimed at expanding our recent work in Puerto Rico entitled Puerto Rico Vive.