WBASNY in Cuba

Every single publication of Ediciones Vigía contains the image of an oil lamp. According to the University of Missouri, "The Vigía symbol, the oil lamp, became especially relevant during this time [of economic iso- lation and hardship in the 1980s]… the lamp became popular during the Special Period, when there were a lot of blackouts, and Cubans were using kerosene lamps everywhere.” In addition to serving an aesthetic purpose, the use of found and donated materials in the books reflects Vigía’s ideological desire to remain relatively inde- pendent. As a rule, centers of cultural production in Cuba, including Vigía, operate under the govern- ment’s Ministry of Culture which, “directs, guides, controls, and executes the implementation of the cul- tural politics of state and government.” Vigía makes a point of not relying on the government for support. Instead, workers at Vigía collect materi- als from around Matanzas and receive donations from local butchers, newspapers, and factories. The artisans who produce the books are volunteers, not paid employees. And writers published by the press do not receive cash payment. As Agustína Ponce, the editor of Vigía, explained in an interview, ‘This is the only Cuban press that does not pay writers with money, no author’s copyrights; we just give them cop- ies of the book in exchange.’

Vigía’s commitment and connection to its community is also apparent in the neighborhood's cats and dogs that come to the building for food and affection. As we sat and learned about this unique Cuban cultural institution, they wandered among their American visitors and made us feel welcome in the publishing house they call home.

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