“Culture is an indispensable component of identity and quality of life, because it makes people grow”
Abel Prieto, Cuban Minister for Culture, 2003

Abel Prieto succinctly sums up the Cuban perspective on all things to do with ‘the Arts’. From ballet to contemporary performance, from street theatre to traditional folkloric dance, Cuban society seems awash with a wonderful array of cultural expression. Any visitor to the island cannot fail to be impressed with the dynamism and talent with which the Cuban people express their identity through their culture.
Cuba is renowned for its cultural traditions as well as its ongoing support and development for today’s budding artists. Its music, art, and dance are enjoyed by people around the world. But these traditions and the development of future talent are threatened by a lack of basic tools and materials.

Violin strings, paper for music scores, ballet shoes, paints and other small but essential items are all in short supply.
The main reason for these shortages is the continuing economic blockade of the island by the United States which ensures that Cuba’s ability to purchase even the most basic of items is obstructed. As well as the clear effects upon Cuba’s economy the blockade has a pernicious effect upon the development of culture and the arts.
The Music Fund for Cuba has been launched this year as a registered charity. Its aims and objects are simple: to advance the education of the public, in particular children and young people, by the supply of musical equipment and materials to students, musical schools and performing artists within Cuba.

The Music Fund was first established in memory of the singer Kirsty MacColl who died at the age of 41 whilst scuba diving with her sons off Cozumel, Mexico in December 2000. Kirsty was a wonderful friend to Cuba and sang a number of times at benefits for the Cuba Solidarity Campaign.

Working through its partner organisation in Cuba, the National Centre of Art and Music schools (CNEART), the Fund has already sent more than £10,000 worth of equipment to Cuban schools. The new charity plans to raise even more money to send more of these much-needed materials to Cuba. All donations to the charity can be ‘gift aided’ enabling the charity to claim an extra 28 pence on top of every pound donated.

The Charity was formally launched at this year’s I Love Cuba Cabaret in London. Special guest, Jean MacColl, Kirsty MacColl’s mother, spoke movingly at the event:
“I am just very proud to be Kirsty’s mother. You know she went to Cuba very many times. After her death we wanted a memorial of some kind and we decided on a Music Fund to help all the young musicians in Cuba. On my first visit I took over £12,000 of musical instruments, and of course now we are hoping to raise even more money for this important work”

Everyone can get involved in supporting the work of the charity. From organising local fund raising initiatives to helping distribute the Music Fund for Cuba leaflet at Cuban cultural events in the UK. If you are able to help with this important work, make a financial contribution, or want to find out more, please contact the Music Fund for Cuba:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7263 6452
info@musicfundforcuba.org.uk

Charity Registration No. 1096283