Proyecto Olga Iglesias announces a strategic partnership with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, receiving GEER fund support to deliver 10 educational recitals throughout the public school system in the San Juan capital region, expanding access to classical music education.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Proyecto Olga Iglesias (OIP) is proud to announce a significant partnership with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (ICP) through a GEER (Governor’s Emergency Education Relief) fund contract awarded in fall 2024. This collaboration will enable OIP to deliver 10 educational recitals throughout the public school system in the San Juan capital region, bringing high-quality classical music programming directly to students in their educational environments.
The partnership with ICP represents a milestone collaboration between two organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage. Through this GEER fund contract, OIP will reach hundreds of students across the San Juan metropolitan area, providing them with immersive educational experiences that celebrate Puerto Rican classical music traditions and composers.
Anthony Cheney Guzmán, Founder and Executive Director of OIP, expressed his enthusiasm about this partnership: “Collaborating with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture through the GEER fund program allows us to significantly expand our educational reach throughout San Juan’s public schools. This partnership represents the perfect alignment of our mission with ICP’s commitment to cultural education. We are honored to work alongside such a prestigious institution to bring our educational programming directly to students who might not otherwise have access to professional classical music performances.”
The 10 educational recitals will bring to life the stories and musical contributions of Puerto Rico’s three greatest classical composers: Felipe Gutiérrez y Espinosa, Juan Morel Campos, and Manuel Gregorio Tavárez. These interactive performances transform historical musical education into engaging, entertaining experiences that resonate with students of all ages.
The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, as Puerto Rico’s premier cultural institution, provides the ideal partnership for this educational initiative. ICP’s extensive network and deep commitment to cultural preservation complement OIP’s innovative approach to making classical music accessible and relevant for contemporary audiences.
This GEER fund contract demonstrates the government’s recognition of the vital role that arts education plays in student development and community enrichment. By supporting this partnership, the program ensures that public school students in the San Juan region receive exceptional cultural programming that enhances their educational experience while fostering appreciation for Puerto Rico’s musical heritage.
The educational recitals will be tailored to each school’s specific needs and grade levels, ensuring maximum educational impact. Students will not only experience live professional performances but also participate in interactive sessions that teach them about Puerto Rican musical history, composition techniques, and the cultural context that shaped these legendary composers’ works.
Since its founding in 2020, OIP has consistently demonstrated its commitment to educational outreach and cultural preservation. This partnership with ICP through GEER funding represents the largest public school initiative in OIP’s history, directly impacting the San Juan capital region’s educational community while advancing the organization’s mission to make Puerto Rican classical music accessible to all.
The success of this collaboration establishes a model for future partnerships between cultural organizations and educational institutions, proving that strategic alliances can create meaningful opportunities for students while preserving and celebrating Puerto Rico’s artistic legacy.
About the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture
The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (ICP) is Puerto Rico’s premier cultural institution, dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the island’s rich cultural heritage through educational programs, artistic initiatives, and community outreach. Established to safeguard Puerto Rico’s cultural identity, ICP plays a vital role in ensuring that future generations have access to their cultural roots and artistic traditions.