Local Conversations: San Jose 2008

San Jose, Costa Rica

April 22, 2008:

40 representatives from media and the arts gathered at the National Museum in San Jose, Costa Rica on Tuesday morning, April 22, to open a new Images and Voices of Hope conversation. Although the group included representatives of all media, they spent the most time talking about the impact of the arts on Costa Rican society - and especially on restoring Costa Rica's original identity. Several of the artists present began discussions of a possible "Caravan of Arts" on the "Joy of Life" that could travel through Central America, engaging those in towns along their route in conversations about culture and heritage. They envision the caravan culminating in an arts festival. They also talked of the impact they would like media to have on San Jose in the future - a cleaned up river, repaired streets, and a city that feels secure.