Founded in 2009 by Astrid Martinez, Latin Art Space promotes the art and culture of Cuba through custom Cuba travel programs. Our travel programs are tailored for organizations, art collectors and small groups who are interested in visiting Cuba and engaging in meaningful exchanges with private individuals, including Cuban artists, scholars, architects, entrepreneurs, musicians and other cultural figures. We provide our guests with an authentic experience of Cuban art and cultural life, and customize programs to reflect each group's particular interests. Our expertise in Cuba and contemporary Cuban art allows us to offer our guests an exclusive travel experience from an insider's perspective.
Through our travel programs and collaborations we strive to empower Cuban entrepreneurs and support cultural and educational institutions, as well as independent cultural organizations and projects. We also offer advise on art acquisitions and facilitate the purchase and shipment of artwork worldwide.
Through our travel programs and collaborations we strive to empower Cuban entrepreneurs and support cultural and educational institutions, as well as independent cultural organizations and projects. We also offer advise on art acquisitions and facilitate the purchase and shipment of artwork worldwide.
Our Team
Astrid Martinez is the Founding Director of Latin Art Space, and a specialist in Cuban art and culture. She was born in Cuba and currently lives in Los Angeles. Her relationships with artists and professionals in Cuba have allowed her to curate unique cultural travel experiences. As a Cuban national living in the US, she is uniquely positioned to build relationships and bridges between Cubans and Americans.
Raysa Mederos is our cultural adviser. She was born in Cuba and currently resides in Somerville, Massachusetts. She is an artist, writer, and professor of languages at Brandeis University and Tufts University in Massachusetts. Raysa lived in Havana until the early 1990's; she has written several essays about Cuba and is currently working on a biographical novel based on her family's experiences in 1960's Cuba. Raysa's expertise in education and her knowledge of Cuba has been an important resource for our programs.
Lisandra Ramírez is Latin Art Space's gallery representative in Havana. Lisandra is an artist, painter, sculpture, photographer, and a creator with an exquisite sense of style and design. She is one of Cuba's most notable mid-career artists working in a variety of mediums. Her expertise in the Cuban art world makes her an ideal person to represent our galley in Havana and co-curate shows and events.
Rubén Perez is a Latin Art Space guide/tour leader. Rubén is very energetic and enthusiastic about Cuba and all the island has to offer. He is a true professional that has traveled every corner of Cuba and can discuss just about anything relating to Cuban history, culture, contemporary issues and and more. His knowledge and his warm and good-natured personality make him an outstanding guide and leader.
Estampa Collection is a Havana-based agency of architects and hotel administrators spearheaded by architect Thomas Verwacht and hospitality specialist Susel Rodriguez. Estampa Collection manages a family of private up-scale guest houses and boutique hotels, and provides support to their owners to better serve the luxury market. Latin Art Space has partnered with Estampa Collection to coordinate many of our activities and provide our guests with a unique selection of architecturally and historically rich lodging options, as well as other luxury services in Cuba.
Mario Villa is an economist by profession who has dedicated many years to escorting groups and individuals through his beloved Cuba. He is an expert guide/tour leader highly sought after by many tour companies. Mario is also very knowledgeable of the Cuban visual arts scene and passionate about connecting guests to Cuba and its people. We are fortunate to have Mario as part of our team.
Victor Ordoñez is our transportation coordinator. Victor has years of experience as a driver in Cuba and works with a consortium of private drivers and transportation specialists. With his superb driving skills and comfortable van, he has traveled extensively throughout the island offering top-notch service to our guests.
Raysa Mederos is our cultural adviser. She was born in Cuba and currently resides in Somerville, Massachusetts. She is an artist, writer, and professor of languages at Brandeis University and Tufts University in Massachusetts. Raysa lived in Havana until the early 1990's; she has written several essays about Cuba and is currently working on a biographical novel based on her family's experiences in 1960's Cuba. Raysa's expertise in education and her knowledge of Cuba has been an important resource for our programs.
Lisandra Ramírez is Latin Art Space's gallery representative in Havana. Lisandra is an artist, painter, sculpture, photographer, and a creator with an exquisite sense of style and design. She is one of Cuba's most notable mid-career artists working in a variety of mediums. Her expertise in the Cuban art world makes her an ideal person to represent our galley in Havana and co-curate shows and events.
Rubén Perez is a Latin Art Space guide/tour leader. Rubén is very energetic and enthusiastic about Cuba and all the island has to offer. He is a true professional that has traveled every corner of Cuba and can discuss just about anything relating to Cuban history, culture, contemporary issues and and more. His knowledge and his warm and good-natured personality make him an outstanding guide and leader.
Estampa Collection is a Havana-based agency of architects and hotel administrators spearheaded by architect Thomas Verwacht and hospitality specialist Susel Rodriguez. Estampa Collection manages a family of private up-scale guest houses and boutique hotels, and provides support to their owners to better serve the luxury market. Latin Art Space has partnered with Estampa Collection to coordinate many of our activities and provide our guests with a unique selection of architecturally and historically rich lodging options, as well as other luxury services in Cuba.
Mario Villa is an economist by profession who has dedicated many years to escorting groups and individuals through his beloved Cuba. He is an expert guide/tour leader highly sought after by many tour companies. Mario is also very knowledgeable of the Cuban visual arts scene and passionate about connecting guests to Cuba and its people. We are fortunate to have Mario as part of our team.
Victor Ordoñez is our transportation coordinator. Victor has years of experience as a driver in Cuba and works with a consortium of private drivers and transportation specialists. With his superb driving skills and comfortable van, he has traveled extensively throughout the island offering top-notch service to our guests.
We collaborate with professionals, specialists, and friends in Cuba, and can provide guides in
English, French, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, and German, amongst other languages.
Website photography - Tony Cordoza, Jay Harris, and various Cuba travelers