Many artists listed under this guide's category of "state-sponsored artists" are officially licensed to work as artists in Cuba. Some of the artists are trained at the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA), this is Cuba's premier art school, considered a top institution for fostering artistic talent since 1976.
The global interest in digital art/AFT's, have played a significant role in the Cuban state's investment in digital art exhibitions. Artists listed under this category of "state-sponsored exhibition are noteworthy for their incorporation of works that address themes of scarcity and resilience.
THE 15TH ANNUAL BIENNIAL DIGITAL ART EXHIBITION
The 15th Annual Biennial was historic for its first time inclusion of the rise of digital art. The Biennial incorporated a livestream digital art exhibition.
The Havana Biennial is a government-sponsored annual cultural event that attracts artists, art collectors and art institutions from around the world. In the area of digital art, the Cuban artist, known as Novus Sphynx, organized the digital art segment of the Biennial and was allowed to paint freely in Old Havana’s public square.
The endeavor of organizing the digital art exhibition was arduous considering the constant threat of rolling blackouts and internet interruptions. However, the state supported work of Novus Sphynx joined that of other digital artists from around the world. One of the digital pieces created for the Biennial was a ‘real-time’ collaboration with artists outside of Cuba.
For more information about this event, and the role of artist Novus Sphynx, see this article: