Please help us support social center Galería Betances during their first-anniversary art exhibit, “Tribute to Betances.” This community-based cultural project is located in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, one of the cities hardest hit by the economic crisis, experiencing high levels of poverty and unemployment.

Goal = $275

With a contribution of $5 or more, YOU can be part of positive change in Puerto Rico by supporting grassroots projects like these. Together we can help them obtain the resources they need for a sustainable future.

Support Galería Betances and their special first-anniversary celebration exhibit called "Tribute to Betances" which opens August 20th and runs through the end of September. From here the exhibit will travel Puerto Rico and abroad. There will also be a celebration for the gallery's first anniversary, Saturday, September 17th.

About Galería Betances

The Gallery holds ten 3-week long exhibits a year. The name is "Galería" yet it's not a place for sales but rather a place for exhibition, discussion, and community. The space is offered to the community to use for free and by voluntary donation, for cultural gatherings, seminars, and workshops (including dance, poetry, political discussion, community planning, etc.). The goal is to revitalize the once vibrant art culture and rebuild a sense of community in urban Mayagüez, by providing a space for local artists to exhibit art and a sanctuary for organizers to meet in a downtown area where so many of the buildings are closed down and no longer in use.

The gallery itself serves as a powerful example of how revitalization works. The space they are in was once part of the local business scene. But it had been closed down for years before Galería Betances came in last year and rehabilitated the space. With the cultural and educational events they've hosted, in this first year they've already made an impact by attracting several hundreds of people to the otherwise lifeless downtown business district.

About the Exhibit "Tribute to Betances"

In the eleven days leading up to the opening day (August 20th), six local artists - including two repatriated diaspora Puerto Ricans - are painting a collaborative piece inspired by 19th century Puerto Rican leader Ramón Emeterio Betances on recycled wood planks installed along the whole inside of the gallery for this special exhibit. The exhibit will then travel after it closes in Galería Betances in September. Artists: Luis (Güillo) Cruz, Jaime López, Damary Burgos, Yasmin Hernández, Lizette Cruz, Omar Iloy

About the Fundraiser

The $275 will be used to cover the cost of the materials purchased to produce this unique piece of art dedicated to Ramón Emeterio Betances. Any additional funds collected will help give Galería Betances a head start for operational costs in their second year serving the community. In keeping with their mission of accessibility to everyone in the community, Galería Betances runs solely on voluntary contributions.

About Vive Borikén

Vive Borikén is a non-profit grassroots initiative in Puerto Rico.

Our mission is to unite Puerto Ricans worldwide for the cultural, environmental and economic well-being of our motherland: Puerto Rico.

Our vision is a cohesive Puerto Rican society with no geographical boundaries that celebrates Puerto Rican culture in all its forms while actively protecting Puerto Rico’s thriving economy and healthy natural resources for future generations.