Celebrating Culture and Art: 10th Anniversary of the Oficina de Proyectos Culturales

The Oficina de Proyectos Culturales (OPC) is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a series of events that highlight the richness of contemporary art and the cultural traditions of the region.

This year, OPC is proud to present two exceptional exhibitions: Primero fue la Raicilla: Arte y Cultura del Agave y sus Destilados (First Came Raicilla: Art and Culture of Agave and Its Distillates) and Ana Topoleanu. Los de la Otra Costa: El Mundo Raicillero (Ana Topoleanu. Those from the Other Coast: The World of Raicilla). These exhibitions not only pay homage to agave and its distillates but also invite critical reflection on the cultural phenomena surrounding them. Their opening is on May 23rd, 2024.

Primero fue la Raicilla: Arte y Cultura del Agave y sus Destilados
Curated by the renowned Mexican artist Rubén Ortiz Torres, Primero fue la Raicilla: Arte y Cultura del Agave y sus Destilados offers a contemporary perspective on agave and its cultural and historical impact. The exhibition brings together more than 20 national and international artists, including Cecilia Barreto, Abraham Cruzvillegas, Dr. Lakra, and Superflex. Their works explore the deep connection between agave and Mexican cultural identity, addressing themes ranging from tradition to innovation.

Ana Topoleanu. Los de la Otra Costa: El Mundo Raicillero
The second exhibition, Ana Topoleanu. Los de la Otra Costa: El Mundo Raicillero, is a documentary photography work by the talented Ana Topoleanu, with texts by Arturo Dávila. This project offers an intimate look at the tradition of raicilla in the coastal region of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco. Through captivating images, Topoleanu captures the production process and the lives of the families who have crafted this spirit for generations. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications such as T Magazine and The New York Times.

Curator: Rubén Ortiz Torres
Rubén Ortiz Torres, the curator of Primero fue la Raicilla: Arte y Cultura del Agave y sus Destilados, is a key figure in contemporary Mexican art. A graduate of the National School of Visual Arts and holding a Master of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts, Ortiz Torres is known for his innovative approach and ability to blend various artistic practices. His work is part of important collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.

A Decade of Cultural Commitment
Since its founding, OPC has been a pillar in promoting cultural dialogue in Puerto Vallarta. As an independent and nonprofit organization, OPC has worked tirelessly to connect artists, curators, and the public, fostering a deeper understanding of the contemporary sociocultural environment. Thanks to the support of benefactors like the Barlow family, OPC has been able to provide a platform for art and critical reflection for a decade.

For more information, visit the Oficina de Proyectos Culturales social networks.