WashingtonHavana

WashingtonHavana is a collaborative project that emerged in 2019 as a response to the U.S. government’s decision to tighten restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba. The initiative was launched by a group of Cuban-American activists, artists, and entrepreneurs based in Washington, D.C., with the goal of fostering cultural and economic exchange between the United States and Cuba. The name "WashingtonHavana" reflects the duality of its origins—Washington, D.C., as the U.S. capital, and Havana, Cuba, as the cultural and political heart of the island nation.

The project operates as a non-profit organization focused on promoting people-to-people diplomacy, artistic collaboration, and sustainable economic development. Its activities include organizing cultural exchanges, such as music festivals, art exhibitions, and literary events, that bring Cuban and American participants together. WashingtonHavana also facilitates business forums and workshops aimed at supporting Cuban entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and technology. By connecting Cuban innovators with U.S. investors and organizations, the initiative seeks to create alternative pathways for economic engagement that bypass traditional government channels.

WashingtonHavana has been involved in several high-profile initiatives, including the "Cuba Now" festival, which showcases contemporary Cuban music and performance art, and partnerships with Cuban tech startups to explore digital solutions for local challenges. The organization emphasizes grassroots participation, often working with local communities in both countries to ensure that projects are inclusive and responsive to their needs.

Despite political tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, WashingtonHavana has positioned itself as a neutral platform for dialogue, advocating for policies that prioritize human-centered approaches over ideological barriers. Its work aligns with broader movements advocating for the lifting of restrictions that limit interaction between the two nations. The organization has received support from both Cuban and American civil society groups, though it operates independently of any government influence.