Center For Cuban Studies - Brooklyn, New York

Colleen McBride

Went on a people to people trip with Sandy in January 2015 and had a lovely time. The trip included a very knowledgeable guide with transportation and wonderful visits to artists homes and studios. It was amazing to see how the Cuban art community has thrived all this time and the great diversity of artistic expression. Our trip also included a guided tour of the Cuban Museum of Fine Arts, a visit to a cigar factory, the rum museum, the camera obscura and other attractions in and around old Havana. Great fun, very interesting and plan a repeat visit in the future!

Allan Oliver

Over the past (almost) fifteen years, I've had many wonderful experiences with CCS. The first was an eye-opening trip to Cuba in 1998. Not only did I get to take in the island in its wonderful diversity, but I also had a chance to get acquainted with Sandra Levinson, the Center's director, and the other fascinating people in my group. It was during that visit that I fell in love with Cuba's artists and art, and that led to the first show of Cuban art in my gallery in Portland, OR, called "Touching Cuba". Since then, I showed other work by Cuban artists and, after closing the gallery, I organized another tour group with the Center which went to the island in 2011. It was again an amazing time for me and the others in the group, several of whom have told me it was the best travel experience they ever had.

Brucie Jacobs

The Center for Cuban Studies and its Cuban Art Space in NYC is tremendous in more ways than I can begin to describe in this review. The dedicated people who work there and its amazing collection of books, magazines, photographs, posters, and art--all pertaining to Cuba past and present--are an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to know just about anything about Cuba. It is a genuine wealth of information.

The Center brings in impressive artists and intriguing artwork from the island and hosts stunning art and photography shows: internationally-recognized artists as well as talented emerging artists are featured. Fascinating, informative films about Cuba are often shown at the Center. What's more, it organizes and hosts trips to Cuba which are a cut above trips offered by certain other organizations promoting travel to Cuba; perhaps this is because the Center and its trip leaders are extremely knowledgable about the island, and have an extensive array of contacts with Cuban individuals and organizations pleased to interact in depth with travelers visiting under the auspices of the Center, to answer questions, and to give more than a superficial glimpse of what Cuba and its generous, outgoing people are all about.

The Center has a shop chockfull of handmade items from Cuba: jewelry, quality note cards, clothing, masks, and other unusual eye-catching gifts. Every year the Center produces a stunning calendar featuring Cuban art (these calendars are works of art in themselves and make superb gifts).

Possibly the most essential, promising thing about the Center is that for decades it has worked diligently to promote improved relations between the USA and Cuba. Politics and a variety of challenges notwithstanding, the Center has been steadfast all along, never swaying from its heartfelt endeavor to help ease relations between the two countries. And for that, the Center for Cuban Studies (in particular, its long-time director, Sandra Levinson, who not only is thoroughly steeped in first-hand knowledge of Cuba, its people and history, not to mention its present, but is also a most amiable, approachable person) deserves the most sincere applause.

To conclude, the Center is a unique cornucopia of in-depth information and art and books and wisdom and travel and gifts and more. It ought not to be overlooked by anyone: including those who may be simply curious about Cuba, people who enjoy art exhibitions and film showings, and those who may already know a great deal about Cuba, yet want to learn more...much more. I cannot recommend the Center for Cuban Studies and its Cuban Art Space more highly.

Carol Sacks

The Center for Cuban Studies has done the most wonderful job for over 40 years of making Cuban art and life available in the United States and working to try to improve relations between the U.S. and Cuba. This is The Source to go to to learn more about Cuban life and culture and history and even to go to Cuba and see it all for yourself. Sandy Levinson and the rest of the superb people who have worked at the Center over the years and who are working there now are tireless in their eagerness and thoughtfulness to open doors too long closed to most of the American people.

Alan Gross

The Center has long taken the lead in breaking down barriers between the US and its Cuban neighbors. Although the crazy politics of blockade have mitigated only slightly in recent years, the Center and it's activist effective leader, Sandra Levinson, have established and maintained many links especially in the world of art and music. Among the Center's strengths are the colorful displays of Cuban art at their 29th St. Gallery/Office, an impressive film series, and incredibly well-planned and useful tours usually led by Sandra who knows virtually every artist on the island. During my visit to Cuba with Sandra et. al. last year, we not only visited many artist homes and studios, but heard some great local music. toured the entire length of the island, sampled tasty food, and even were exposed to some fine poetry and interesting politics.

beweinstein

Three years ago I was fortunate enough to participate in one of the Centers tours for educators. It was a trip of a lifetime made possible by the consummate professionals at the center for Cuban studies. If you are considering a trip to Cuba, I highly recommend them, educator or not. You can expect no hassles, a well organized itinerary , top notch accommodations and well informed, helpful, folks every step of the way.

Kathleen Weaver

The Center & its director Sandra Levinson in particular --are very much treasured by me. For anyone wondering whether traveling on one of the Center's trips to Cuba is a good idea I can say that in my opinion it's an exceptionally good way to go,---. We are lucky to have the art gallery & the Center, with all its history.

Joseph Upham

They are the 'REAL DEAL'. Founded in 1972, they remain the authoritative source for all things involving Cuba, Cuban Art and Cuban Travel. While it seems that lately there are many agencies offering 'Tours to Cuba', CCS has been doing it since 1999! They really know all there is to know about Cuban history and the current Cuban Art scene. A visit to their space at 231 W 29th St will give an appreciation for the depth of their collection. A trip to Cuba with them will give a nuanced appreciation for the culture, art and people of Cuba. Unforgettable.