Foundation
+ La escuelita del ritmo +
La Escuelita del Ritmo is a free school of music and artistic expression in Portobelo, founded in 2009 on the belief that culture is a tool for social change. We offer classes to children and young people who might otherwise have limited access to education or creative opportunity — percussion, guitar, piano, dance, brass, and more. Our Big Band has performed in over 70 concerts nationally and internationally, representing Portobelo. In 2022 our school entered a formal partnership with the Playing for Change Foundation, with our most gifted students going on to receive music scholarships to UC Berkeley.
+ Casa de la cultura congo +
Located directly on the shores of Portobelo Bay, Casa de la Cultura Congo is an open, public, and inclusive space created to celebrate, preserve, and share the rich cultural heritage of Portobelo. Serving as a cultural center, hospitality space, restaurant, and art gallery, it welcomes visitors to experience the traditions, creativity, and spirit of the community.
+ art gallery +
The Art Gallery showcases the talent of Portobelo’s painters, woodcarvers, and artisans. Each piece reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage, creativity, and living traditions. Sales directly support the artists, helping sustain and develop their creative work. More than an exhibition space, the gallery offers an authentic connection to local art and cultural identity.
+ Carpentry and wood carving +
Our carpentry and wood carving workshop sits on the grounds of El Otro Lado and represents our sustained effort to preserve and pass on the skills of the local carpenter — using traditional techniques and tropical hardwoods to carve animals, create furniture, and build with precision. The workshop employs more than fifteen professionals and serves as an apprentice environment for our community's youth. Our own joinery and makers studio draws from this same tradition, working with local hardwoods sourced from the region. The furniture and objects you encounter throughout the property were made here, by hand, by people who know this wood and this land.
+ Casa del saber +
Casa del Saber is a community center that serves as an open space for learning, culture, creativity, and community engagement. Through educational programs, artistic expression, traditional crafts, and cultural activities, it fosters the development of children, youth, and adults, strengthening local identity while creating opportunities for the future.
