Colombia’s National Arts Center A Magnet for International Culture

The Delia Zapata Olivella National Arts Center (CNA) celebrated its first year of consolidation on March 21. The venue unites three important stages: the Colon Theater, the Delia Zapata Olivella Room, and the Fanny Mickey Experimental Room, a convergence that honors the rich cultural diversity of Colombia and the world. Colombia One had the opportunity to interview its director, Xiomara Suescún, regarding the role of international culture in this center and the involvement of foreigners in its activities.

Foreign visitors at The National Arts Center

During a media event held in the Historic Center of Bogotá, where CNA is located, the director explained to ColombiaOne that foreign tourists constitute the majority of attendees, particularly in guided tours, being the ones who most frequently request them. Suescún noted that they do not have specific projections for this year, but based on last year’s results, they anticipate a significant foreign presence.

The center is recognized for its commitment to cultural exchange, so regarding the international artistic offerings expected for 2024, Suescún stated, “We are hosting international guests from Chile, Ecuador, The United States, and Canada, both in circulation, making performances and in artistic residencies. Additionally, we will feature presentations by African and European artists, with a robust agenda throughout the year.”

‘El Delia’, a global arts hub

Affectionately known as ‘El Delia,’ the center has positioned itself as an epicenter of the arts, aiming to expand its influence across various disciplines throughout the continent and the world. When asking Suescún about the role of international culture in the center, she remarked: “From its inception, the CNA has always maintained a vision that not only connects us with the country’s territories but also engages us in dialogue with the world.” She explained that by inviting foreign artists to their facility and conducting regular workshops, they seek to build bridges of communication and cultural exchange that mutually benefit both countries.

The cultural complex, named in honor of Delia Zapata Olivella, the first Afro woman to dance on the Colon Theater stage, is dedicated to uplifting black and indigenous roots, and presents an extensive agenda of cultural events for 2024. This includes musical performances, visual arts exhibitions, contemporary ballet, as well as initiatives such as The Woman and Gender Program, which focuses on addressing gender-based violence in cultural settings, and participatory curation projects.

In conclusion, in the interview with Colombia One, the director pledged to continue providing sensitive and conscientious leadership, ensuring a space for dialogue, and fostering national and international collaborative creation.