Location

The Inter-American Development Bank created the IDB Cultural Center in 1992 to advance the concept of culture as an integral component of development. The Center has two primary objectives: (1) contribute to social development by administering a grants program for small-scale cultural projects in the Region with positive social impact, and (2) promote a better image of the IDB member countries, with emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean, through their cultural expressions.

The IDB Cultural Center Exhibitions Program and the Inter-American Concert, Lecture and Film Series stimulate dialogue and a greater knowledge of the culture of the Americas. The Cultural Development Program funds projects in the fields of youth development, institutional support, restoration, and preservation of cultural traditions. The IDB Art Collection, gathered over several decades, is managed by the Cultural Center and showcases the outstanding artistic achievements of the IDB member countries.

The IDB Cultural Center offers a regular series of exhibitions representing the 48 member countries of the IDB with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.  The Center's art gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Visitors are invited to take home an exhibition catalogue free of charge.

The Center also offers a year-long series of concerts, lectures and films that are free and open to the public, and held in the Bank's Conference Center, located at 1330 New York Avenue NW.  Photo ID is required.  You may join the Cultural Center's elist by writing to idbcc@iadb.org or visiting the webpage to subscribe www.iadb.org/cultural.