My visit to Unpack Studio Residency in Havana was absolutely fantastic! I had the privilege of time, space, and the peace needed to accomplish what I had set myself to do away from home, and I treasured every minute! Cuba’s geopolitical circumstances and its historical references became sources of inspiration to my writing, embedding itself into my Ph.D. dissertation. This residency gave me the time to focus on my writing, slowing the pace of time, and the immediate urgency of routines. It gave me the opportunity to think, to feel, and understand where I was heading with my writing, while also feeding my curatorial inquisitive mind.

Attending artist talks, art tours, conducting studio visits, witnessing heated panel discussions, visiting archives and museums, and various contemporary art exhibitions of prominent and emerging Cuban artists, felt like a gift I had been awarded with, and I was there to just soak it all in, without any preconceived notions or imposing any of my own ideas onto different realities. As a scholar and curator who navigates spaces of critical consciousness and creative output, I was determined to not fall into stereotypes or grandiose expectations. Instead, I felt extremely grateful for the opportunity, for the historical moment I was witnessing, under a very privileged circumstance, I felt it my responsibility to just listen and not judge.

Despite staying for only a week, I was able to establish a comfortable space to create and write. I felt welcomed, appreciated, and valued. I had several opportunities to also relax, eat fresh fruit, enjoy the sun, share a good coffee with friends, breath the salty air, listen and dance to contagious music, and meet friendly people. Thank you, Unpack Studio, and everyone who made this visit memorable and unforgettable, with the hopes to return soon.