LA AFROTECA, a library specializing in the art of the African Diaspora in Puerto Rico

La Afroteca Library

Humacao, Puerto Rico- Under an initiative of Casa Silvana, the cultural space of the Afro-Puerto Rican artist and curator Edwin Velázquez Collazo / AICA-USA, La Afroteca opened its doors as the only library specialized in the visual arts of the African diaspora and Afro-Puerto Rican culture on the island.

With a large catalog of more than 300 books on black artists and their art from Great Britain, Africa, Canada, the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, La Afroteca seeks to give voice, visibility and evidence of Afro aesthetics as well as international Afro art movements.

La Afroteca Library

Casa Silvana as a cultural space seeks to promote Afro-Puerto Rican artwork, but also to lean into the diffusion of the art relating to the African diaspora through its bibliographic resource, providing its access to researchers, curators, historians, students and artists, converging as a research center, meetings and exhibitions specialized in black and Afro-descendant art.

The creation of this library specialized in books on the subject of Afro-descendant art will mainly allow access to a constantly growing and updated bibliographical collection with cultural relevance on the contribution of Afro-descendants, to art based on the diversity and decolonization of cultural entities. A place that above all invites to strengthen the investigative field around the art of our African diaspora.

Additionally, Casa Silvana will offer a one-week micro-residence for researchers, curators, and art historians interested in Afro art who are in the process of researching for theses or publications. Offering a room equipped with a full (below) and twin (above) bunk bed, refrigerator, table and television. Internet access. Bathroom facilities (with hot water in the shower), kitchen and other shared common areas (personal and food expenses during the stay will be borne by the applicant).

The complete catalog of the African Diaspora Art Collection and the Afro-Puerto Rican Culture Collection, as well as the new acquisitions, can be consulted online through the following link: https://www.librarycat.org/lib/casasilvana

La Afroteca Library

LA AFROTECA is only by appointment, two people per day, with hours of use on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12:00 to 5:00 pm. The books will be of use in their facilities, and may not be borrowed or taken from the location. It is located at Casa Silvana, Carretera 938 KO H6 Camino Los Marcano, Barrio Mambiche Prieto / Sector El Jobo Humacao, Puerto Rico, 00791 (We recommend using Google Map to get there.)

Get in touch with us through casasilvanapr@gmail.com or call 787-240-4603 to coordinate an appointment or for more information. This project is possible thanks to the support of the Maniobra program by the Centro de Economía Creativa (CEC) and the Mellon Foundation.