"Anti-racist Shores" Project Marks 300 Years of Canarian Migration to Uruguay
The "Anti-racist Shores" cultural initiative has launched in Uruguay to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Canarian migration through international art residencies and educational workshops.
To mark the 300th anniversary of Canarian families settling in the Canelones department of Uruguay, a new cultural initiative called "Anti-racist Shores" has been launched. Reported by LAV-Canarias, this project uses art to explore the history of migration across three continents and how it has shaped our modern identities.
Running from June 15 to 21, the program follows an international selection process involving the Sardinia Theatre, Dinamo Canelones, and LAV-Canarias. Three artists—Noelia Varietti (Canary Islands), María Luisa Usai (Italy), and Johanna Ba (Uruguay)—have been chosen to lead a research residency. After working together remotely, the artists will meet in Atlántida for an in-person residency, concluding with a public exhibition at the Dinamo facilities on June 20.
The project also aims to strengthen international ties. Beatriz Bello, co-director of LAV-Canarias, will speak at the National Institute of Performing Arts in Montevideo to discuss the residency model. She will also use the opportunity to promote Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2031.
Finally, the initiative focuses on education and history. In the town of Sauce, Canarian artist Héctor Gardez will lead a workshop titled "Canary Islands on Two Shores," which examines the legacy of the islanders who moved to Uruguay. By looking at the past, the project highlights how the history of migration continues to influence the way communities on both sides of the Atlantic connect today.