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Alberto Lescay Merencio

Together, Alberto Lescay Merencio and Caguayo Foundation symbolize the same vision that is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The emblematic Cuban sculptor, originally from Santiago, is the president of Caguayo. The work of the institution over two decades was the focus of our conversation.
«These 20 years have served us to prepare ourselves. We cannot forget that Caguayo arose in a difficult period to undertake new projects, and we assumed it with the intention to do so without seeking any economic resources, affronting the challenge to do it with what we had».
«Strength and will never lacked», says Lescay, affirming that the first very difficult stage was defeated. «There was no cast or ceramic tradition, not even artistic cast was not developed in Cuba due to the absence of a professional workshop. Only in art schools basic principles of the specialty were taught, but a smelter is forged in the workshop».
Ceramics and foundry helped sustain the effort. «And to meet the tax obligations of the country»—Lescay added— «the Caguayo Commercial Production Company was founded; profits are given to the Foundation, which then decides what to do with those funds. In these 20 years these funds have served to develop the Caguayo SA Company. Through the Foundation, which is a public nonprofit altruistic institution per excellence, these funds are used to develop cultural projects, ranging from organizing exhibitions to support the promotion of the visual arts, applied arts, with an emphasis on design as an element of integration of society. Without a design there is not prosperity».
Lescay considers himself  «a very lucky man: to make the Revolution Square with my team, and 20 years later, to have the honor of making Maceo’s mother, mother of all Cubans».
Finally, he says: «Fulfilled? No. Satisfied, yes. We are always prepared to do more. I’m afraid of doing nothing. Sandy hurricane destroyed the workshop and we lost almost everything. But as the Caguayo (regenerative animal: you cut off its tail and it gets another one stronger and bigger), in two months and thanks to the people of Santiago and San Luis workers, we got up. And here we are. That’s why I’m happy».

Source: http://www.sierramaestra.cu