Art exhibit aims to improve America, Cuba’s relations

UC Irvine is doing its part to improve international relations this year with the premiere of its Cuban-themed art exhibit: “California Universities Building Amistad: The U.S.-Cuba Initiative,” Thursday night on campus.

Amistad, or friendship, between the United States and Cuba has been historically rocky. The initiative aims to improve it through an exchange of scholarly information, school officials said. The exhibit will showcase UCI faculty research in and about Cuba and includes sections on pre- and post-revolutionary Cuba. There will also be sections on relations between the two countries, social sciences and visual arts. Other areas will focus on Cuba’s performing arts, literature and books by Cuban artists.

Social sciences professor Raul Fernandez and chemistry professor Ken Janda will kick off the U.S.-Cuba initiative Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the Langson Library on campus.

The event is free and open to the public. To make reservations, which are recommended, call (949) 824-5300. Parking is available for $7.

— Joseph Serna