Welcome to Puerto Rico
with Glenisse Pagán Ortiz and Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre
Recorded September 13, 2023
In this podcast, Grantmakers in the Arts welcomes you to Puerto Rico! Following a pivot late in 2021 (we postponed the in-person experiences to 2023) and we are eager to once again hold this year’s conference in San Juan. While much has occurred in the interim, many of the complex and layered systems remain, as do the communities and organizing efforts led by artists, culture bearers, and grantmakers.
As we look toward the future we must also reflect on how the past informed our path to here. We are glad to be joined by our 2023 conference committee co-chairs Glenisse Pagán Ortiz (Filantropía Puerto Rico) and Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre (Flamboyan Foundation). They discuss how the conference took shape, ways to prepare, and what you can expect!
To listen to the full episode, click here.
Sherylynn Sealy:
Welcome to a podcast by Grantmakers in the Arts, a national membership association of public and private arts and culture funders. I'm Sherylynn Sealy, GIA's Senior Program Manager. In this podcast, Grantmakers in the Arts welcomes you to San Juan. Following a pivot late in 2021, we postponed the in-person experiences to 2023, and here we are. While much has occurred in the interim, many of the complex and layered systems remain, as do the communities and organizing efforts led by artists, culture bearers, and grantmakers. As we look toward the future, a future that must be more equitable and just, we must also reflect on how the past informed the path to where we are today. And so today, we're joined by our 2023 conference Committee Co-chairs, Glenisse Pagán Ortiz, Executive Director of Filantropía Puerto Rico, and Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre, Executive Director of Flamboyan Foundation. And they're going to be discussing what you can expect at this year's conference. Welcome to the podcast, both of you. How are you today?
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
I'm doing great. Thank you for asking.
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
How are you?
Sherylynn Sealy:
Awesome. I'm doing great, thank you. We have been waiting years for this moment to finally host the Grantmakers in the arts conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. And it's finally happening. How does it feel?
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
I can't wait. It's a couple more months to go. But I do remember when Nadia came to Puerto Rico in 2019, I think it was, she was on a recon mission to check out Filantropía Puerto Rico and the whole scene. And it was very, very different to where we are today in 2023 from that moment. I'm very excited that it's finally happening. We went through the whole planning process during that year. Do you remember Carlos? Yes,
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
Yes.
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
It was like, "Oh this is a repeat."
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
Yeah, it was really exciting for us at Flamboyan, as the organization that houses the Flamboyan Arts Fund, to hear that GIA was planning on making their annual convening in Puerto Rico was super exciting. Just in the second year of the arts fund, to have that kind of privilege, to have all of you guys come visit the island at that critical point in time. That was very exciting and I got really involved in the planning process.
From that excitement to the virtual experience, which I think the team did a great job, the best you can do with what you had. I think the whole GIA team was also very considerate of the circumstances. It was a very democratic and key decision that was made at the time. Then we were able to have a hybrid modality in New York. I had the pleasure and honor to witness that conference, which I think gave me more insights into what this Puerto Rico experience could turn out to be. We're taking all of that knowledge, experience into account when planning for this year. We're very excited about it.
Sherylynn Sealy:
That sounds great. And speaking of excitement, what can people expect at this year's conference? Can you speak a little bit to some of the richness and the vibrance of the location and some of the session content?
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
When we were going through the planning process, since we had come as a group years prior and then coming back, we came with a little more depth, and Puerto Rico was different. We had been through Covid. I think in general, everybody's perspective was different. I remember those first meetings that we had as a planning, a lot of discussion again, "Why are we visiting Puerto Rico? Why are we there? What do we want to present?" From what I remember, the initial time that GIA was doing the conference in Puerto Rico, we had came from the hurricanes. Puerto Rico had really been put on the philanthropic map, as you say. We had a lot of conference from different people and GIA was coming and then Covid hit and whatnot. But on this occasion, I think the tension that we had from the hurricanes had wind down.
It was just a difference. And how do we present Puerto Rico with the realities of who we are today and all the different crises that we had passed, not only the hurricanes, but the earthquakes and summer of 2019. How do we present that in a very honest, truthful, but powerful way? At least, that was in the planning conversations that we had in presenting Puerto Rico were things that we wanted to show besides all the other things that we want to bring in philanthropy and philanthropic practices and artists and all that. But how do we make this experience a really rich, authentic to where Puerto Rico is today? And I think that goes with the title of it, too.
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
I think we can also say that, regardless that we're a couple of years away or more away from those natural disasters, I think because of everything, it's been compounding what took place. I think it becomes more urgent that we do have this conversation in Puerto Rico. We had a lot of good pressure to see what to elevate with this unique opportunity that we're going to have all of you here in Puerto Rico and how do we give you the most we can offer within the limitations that we have. Not only in time, but in geography and logistics. We really put a lot of thought and heart into making sure the experience could be as deep and diverse as possible. Not only with the exposure to the art and culture, landscaping Puerto Rico, but also in the thematic that's been chosen for the seminar. We're really proud of what's coming out.
Sherylynn Sealy:
I think that's great. We went on a site visit a few months ago, in July, and I think a lot of the sites that I went to when I was looking at some of the art and ways that the art spaces have needed to pivot because of the natural disasters you spoke of, there's so much resilience that I think a lot of people will understand and be able to engage with and interact with while they're there because of the content that we have prepared for this year. I'm looking forward to folks really understanding that, especially if it's their first time. And speaking of which, if folks have never been to Puerto Rico before, and side note, a lot of folks have this kind of mindset that it's like, "We're going to Puerto Rico. It's the beach." But it's like, "Yes, it's a beautiful place, but we're having our conference." Keeping both of those things in mind, what are some of the things that some of our attendees should prepare or understand before coming to Puerto Rico in order to make the most out of their conference experience this year?
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
I'll mention two not-so-funny facts, but expect power outages, that's one! And, the second one-
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
For sure.
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
And, the second one is while we're a tropical climate, the AC units are the coldest you'll ever be in. Regardless of the fact that we're coming to sunny Puerto Rico, when you're going to these sessions in the Caribe Hilton just make sure to bring a sweater or something so you feel comfortable inside.
Sherylynn Sealy:
Pro tip! Absolutely.
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
And bring a bathing suit, so you can escape to the beach, as well. You'll be able to have that.
I'll go a little deeper. Just stay open to the experience of really listening to the speakers that you're going to hear and to different people that you'll interact that are from here. Yes, we are a territory, a colony of the United States, so that creates a very interesting relationship. I would just say stay open and curious of what you can learn about that relationship.
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
And I will add not to shy away or limit yourself to the interactions that we have designed for you as part of the conference, but don't be afraid to develop those connections or that can be taking place in the conference but also outside so you can compliment and enrich more that experience. You'll be surprised.
Sherylynn Sealy:
That's great, yes. And we hosted a webinar back in April for all of our listeners, if you want to get a little bit more information about the context that we'll all be a part of this November. Feel free to tune into that after you listen to the podcast. Speaking of some of the content, are there any particular sessions or events within the conference that you want to highlight here on the podcast? Everything is going to be incredible, as you all know, because we were all a part of that process to bring this together. But anything in particular that you want to highlight?
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
I'm very excited to highlight there's a session on shared services that we both, from our organizations, have been supporting that is in development and we're very excited about-
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
Yes, we are.
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
What we're supporting, what they've been able to do, and eager to see how we can take that initiative to the next level. I think it will be of great service, a legacy to the arts and culture landscape in Puerto Rico.
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
I'd say take advantage of the visits and the organizations so you can get out. Once you're in the conference, we're contained. I think there's very deep meaningful conversations. I am very excited.
Sherylynn Sealy:
All right, that's great. And you kind of alluded to... Oh, sorry. Go ahead, Glenisse.
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
Then go to our session.
Sherylynn Sealy:
Yes, please do. And all of the others, as well. Everyone. Plugging everything. Our theme this year is Revisiting Pasts to Build the Future. And you alluded to this earlier, both of you, Carlos and Glenisse, that Puerto Rico of 2019 is not the exact same Puerto Rico of 2023. Can you talk a little bit about the conference tagline, the significance of that theme, and how the committee came to decide on that theme?
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
I do remember there were a lot of discussions, again, how you've mentioned, we're not the same Puerto Rico, in general, from that year. In 2023, we're actually not the same in terms of Puerto Rico, in general. The crises have accelerated many different social changes in Puerto Rico, and I think that's part of it. I say very much that Puerto Rico is plural, depending on what Puerto Rican you ask about Puerto Rico, like a Puerto Rican diaspora and the Puerto Rican here. Some are pro-state, others are not. Some remember Puerto Rico from a couple of years back, when they lived here. It's very different, but I think it's very nice to go revisit the past, get some context to understand what we can better build in the future. From those conversations that we had within the planning committee, it's where we were talking about this. We need to go past, understand it, and then from there we can not excuse it, but just really rebuild something that we want to see coming up in the future.
Sherylynn Sealy:
I can appreciate that, Glenisse. I remember some of those conversations, and particularly the ones around differences in mindsets within the diaspora and how that can impact the way that the conference is shaped. I'm really excited that we were able to bring so many different thoughts together for this and have that diverse perspective. Carlos, did you want to add on?
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
I think that's it. You got it right there.
Sherylynn Sealy:
All right. Is there anything that you are super excited about?
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
Overall, I'm really excited that it's taking place. And that it is taking place in 2023, because the fact that we have a worldwide pandemia, after the three events that inspired us to have this in 2021, like Glenisse was mentioning before, it was a worldwide phenomenon. The eyes started to look not only to Puerto Rico, but worldwide. We're still in revitalizing mode or recuperation mode from what happened prior to pandemia. And then what pandemia generated is just a compounding effect on what was already taking place. The fact that all of this attention is going to be placed in Puerto Rico right now in 2023 after the pandemia is very important for us. It's very important for our people and for an arts and culture sector.
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
I second that. I would echo that exactly. I'm just glad that we had a lot of attention years ago. Even the example with Hawai'i, that they're telling you, "Hey, don't go visit. There's no visitor." We had a lot of that in years prior, and it seems like 2023 now, we're so different and so apart. But having it at this moment for people to come learn about organizations on the ground, feel Puerto Rico, literally experience it. And getting to have all these connections, not only me meeting organizations, but that the people that are coming from the conference to also meet organizations and leaders and experience the arts and culture in Puerto Rico. In this moment in time, that's really exciting.
Sherylynn Sealy:
That's awesome. I am looking forward to that as well. Before we wrap up, are there any final words that either of you want to share with our listeners?
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
I'll repeat, just be ready to have very meaningful, long-lasting relationship with our people and our organizations.
Sherylynn Sealy:
That's great.
Glenisse Pagán Ortiz:
Be ready to experience Puerto Rico!
Sherylynn Sealy:
All right. That is great. Thank you so much, Glenisse and Carlos, for that lively and informative conversation. I think that if folks weren't sure if they should get excited about the conference then now, they definitely will be excited.
Carlos Rodríguez Silvestre:
Super!
Sherylynn Sealy:
If you have not done so, please be sure to visit the conference website at 2023GIAConference.org to learn more about the diverse set of conference sessions and dynamic speakers. If you have any questions about this podcast or upcoming programming, feel free to reach out to me, Sherylynn Sealy, at sherylynn@giarts.org, or visit our website, giarts.org. Also, be sure to follow Grantmakers in the Arts on X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook @GIArts, as well as Instagram @GrantmakersInTheArts. Thanks so much for listening, and we look forward to seeing you and San Juan from November 5th through the 8th. Thanks, everyone!
