Strengthening a Longstanding Partnership Through Art, Dialogue, and Community

For nearly three decades, the Instituto Hondureño de Cultura Interamericana (IHCI) has organized one of Honduras’ most important and enduring visual arts events: the IHCI Painting Biennial. Now in its 29th edition, the Biennial has become a significant platform for artistic exchange, critical dialogue, and the celebration of contemporary art throughout the region.

 This year, Expressiones was honored to deepen its longstanding partnership with IHCI through the participation of José Garaycochea, Executive Director of Expressiones, and David Schulz, artist and longtime member of the Expressiones Board of Directors, who were invited to Tegucigalpa as international jurors for the Biennial. Joining distinguished arts professionals from Spain and El Salvador, they helped evaluate works submitted by artists from across the region while contributing to a broader conversation about the role of the arts in contemporary society. 

Beyond their responsibilities as jurors, José and David participated in a public lecture series held at the Museo para la Identidad Nacional, where they shared perspectives rooted in decades of artistic practice, cultural engagement, and community-based work. David Schulz presented Between Verbal and Visual Language, reflecting on the dynamic relationship between words, images, and meaning, while examining how artists communicate ideas that transcend language and cultural boundaries.

José Garaycochea presented Beyond the Studio: How Art Can Transform Communities, Build Bridges, and Change Lives, drawing upon the work that Expressiones has developed in New London and throughout the Americas. His presentation highlighted how access to the arts can strengthen communities, foster belonging, encourage intercultural understanding, and create meaningful opportunities for personal and collective growth.These conversations resonated strongly with one of the Biennial’s central purposes: demonstrating that art is not only an act of individual expression but also a powerful force for social connection and cultural understanding. The exchange of ideas among artists, educators, cultural leaders, and community members underscored the importance of international collaboration in building stronger and more inclusive communities through creativity. 

During the visit, José also met with artists, visited studios, and engaged in discussions about contemporary artistic practices in Honduras. These encounters strengthened relationships between artists in Honduras and the United States while creating opportunities to identify potential participants for future Expressiones Artist-in-Residence programs. Such exchanges are an important part of our mission to connect communities across borders and create pathways for cultural dialogue and professional development.We are deeply grateful to IHCI, its leadership, staff, volunteers, and partners for their generous hospitality and for their continued commitment to fostering artistic excellence and intercultural exchange. The Biennial serves as a remarkable example of how cultural institutions can create spaces where artists and communities come together to learn from one another and imagine new possibilities for the future.Expressiones is proud to have been represented at this important international gathering and especially proud of the contributions made by David Schulz and José Garaycochea. Their participation reflects our ongoing commitment to using the arts as a tool for connection, understanding, and positive social impact.As we continue strengthening our partnership with IHCI, we look forward to developing new opportunities for collaboration that will benefit artists, students, and communities in both Honduras and the United States. Together, we remain committed to building bridges through art, fostering cultural exchange, and creating spaces where creativity can inspire meaningful change.