We are committed to exposing the world to the beauty and vibrancy of Africa and the Black Diaspora, its arts, cultures and traditions. Under the guidance of our Advisory Board and Executive Leadership, and with the enthusiastic support of our audiences, Creative Currents will seek to become a premiere presenter of cultural experiences focused on Africa and the Black Diaspora.
History
1970s – Sandra Eleta, a Panamanian photographer began opening her home in Portobelo, Panama to female artists and friends as a place to make art, engage in critical discussions about art, and exchange creative ideas. This group was called Grupo Portobelo, Portobelo Group.
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1990s – Grupo Portobelo, under the direction of Panamanian artists Sandra Eleta, Yaneca Esquina, and Dr. Arturo Lindsay, became Taller Portobelo (Portobelo Workshop), an artist cooperative dedicated to the preservation of Panamanian traditions and the improvement of the economic conditions of Portobelo, Panama. Today the facilities of Taller Portobelo consist of studio space, and housing facilities for artists, students and invited guests.
1997 – Dr. Lindsay (painter and Professor of Art at Spelman College) created the Spelman College Summer Artist Retreat to provide his students with an opportunity to learn while living in Portobelo. The Spelman College Summer Artist Retreat provided students three weeks in an idyllic tropical environment that fosters intellectual stimulation, artistic exchange, and quiet contemplation for artistic growth.
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2001 – Taller Portobelo Norte, Portobelo Workshop North, was created as an Atlanta-based outgrowth of the Spelman College Summer Artist Retreat. This collective of emerging and established US artists and artist/scholars share exhibition and career development information and help further the critical discussion of the arts and culture(s) of the African Diaspora.
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Together, Taller Portobelo Norte and Taller Portobelo created programming geared toward emerging and professional artists interested in exploring non- traditional, experimental areas in art. Past programming includes:
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- Wet Paint, a series of talks featuring artists Eric Mack & Charles Nelson
- ArteFeria Art Fairs with Panamanian and American visual and literary artists.
- Taller Portobelo Norte Summer Art Residency for emerging and professional visual artists and creative writers
- International Artist in Residency Programs
- The Black Christ Festival & Congo Carnival Artist Retreats
- Joie de Vivre Senegal Arts and Culture Tour
2013 – Taller Portobelo Norte underwent a re-branding campaign to reflect its desire to expand program offerings and appeal to a broader audience. The newly formed Creative Currents Artist Collaborative is a nonprofit organization that runs international arts and culture tours, visual art exhibitions, performances, classes and workshops.
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2015 - Creative Currents Artist Collaborative creates the inaugural Havana Art & Culture Tour at the Havana Art Biennial in Cuba.
