This represents the largest funding allocation in the history of the Center
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Repairs to the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center in San Juan, a symbol of Puerto Rican culture that has hosted over 15,000 events related to the performing arts throughout its 39-year history, will be possible with a FEMA grant of over $6.8 million awarded on April 24, 2020.
With four spacious theaters that can accommodate some 4,600 spectators, the Center’s walls have reverberated with the voices of world-renowned stars like Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, Puerto Rico’s emblematic salsa group El Gran Combo and Puerto Rican playwright Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton.
After Hurricane María, the steps leading up to the main entrance, with part of its façade covered with an impressive mural by international artist Augusto Marín, remained empty for 125 days. Besides substantial damage to its roof, elevators and electric system, the economic injury was equally serious – some 96 staff work at this cultural institution which generates over $10 million a year for the island’s economy.
“It’s always inspiring to see grants awarded to projects that have such a significant social, cultural and economic impact like the Performing Arts Center in San Juan. Recovery means more than bricks and mortar; it also represents an opportunity to help communities bring back ways they can celebrate their heritage and encourage cultural development,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alex Amparo.
Repairs at the Center will include replacing acoustic ceiling tiles that help absorb sound, wood stage floors in three of the theaters as well as water-damaged carpets throughout. About $1.6 million of the grant is earmarked for mitigation measures like hurricane shutters, weathertight doors and waterproofing floors to help prevent future damage.
“In Puerto Rico's recovery process, there are diverse projects, from simple repairs to work on more complex structures, all of which have an impact on the daily life of the communities. With this example, it is evident that the reconstruction of the Island reaches all sectors, leading to contributions for economic development, tourism and the fine arts, among other important aspects for all citizens. Once again, I am grateful for the effort put forth by the FEMA and COR3 teams, who work together with sub-recipients every day to achieve obligations so these projects can be developed efficiently,” said the Executive Director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency, Ottmar Chavez Piñero.
A formal bidding process that takes into consideration the specialized nature of the work required is part of the next steps for the Center, which will perform repairs in phases in order to meet its commitments with previously scheduled engagements.
“FEMA's support will be key in rebuilding the affected areas of our facilities after hurricanes Irma and Maria. For decades, the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center has been a meeting place for thousands of artists from all over the world and the Puerto Rican public. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank this agency of our federal government for its commitment to the cultural endeavors of the public corporation,” said the President of the Board of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, Eduardo Arosemena, Esq.
Besides being one of the most important venues on the island for musical, artistic and theatrical events, the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center is also home to a noteworthy art collection. In addition to the Las Musas (The Muses) mural that greets visitors, the Un Canto al Sol (a Song for the Sun) mural by architect and artist Jaime Suárez decorates the southern wall. The hallway in the René Marqués theater is lined with a vibrant stained-glass piece by renowned artist Luis Hernández Cruz called Forma y Trópico (Form and Tropic). Many oleos, sculptures and other works of art compliment the extensive collection.
Built in 1981, the Center receives about 485,000 visitors a year – 68,000 of these are children who enjoy the center while on school fieldtrips.
“The Performing Arts Center is the grand theater house of Puerto Rico. The most diverse stories have been told in its halls. In this difficult time, I encourage everyone to continue creating, to continue imagining, to continue developing stories. And when all of this is over and we meet again, it will be the theater, it will be the cultural activities that will encourage us and raise our spirits,” said the General Manager of the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center, Jetppeht Pérez de Corcho Morgado.
For more on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339.
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.
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