Convening
Meridian International Center Celebrates Latin American and Caribbean Ingenuity with “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” Exhibition
Irene Gelfman (PINTA), Alejandra Claros (CAF Development Bank), Piero Bonadeo (CC LATAM Center for Latin America Convergence), and Elizabeth Duggal (Chair of the Meridian Center for Culture and Sports Diplomacy) at Meridian’s exhibition opening “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” organized in partnership with CAF Development Bank on September 10, 2025. Photos courtesy of Jess Latos. Meridian International Center, in partnership with CAF Development Bank, Pinta, and CC LATAM Center for Latin America Convergence hosted an extraordinary evening celebrating the vibrant artistic landscape of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” exhibition showcased fifteen exceptional works from seven countries, offering Washington audiences a rare opportunity to explore contemporary. Elizabeth Duggal, Chair of the Meridian Center for Culture and Sports Diplomacy, opened the evening with remarks. A Bold and Inclusive Artistic Vision Curated by Irene Gelfman of Pinta, the exhibition highlights the innovative spirit, inclusivity, and craftsmanship of Latin American and Caribbean artists.
From explorations of identity and materiality to reflections on territory, technology, and ecology, each work invites viewers to engage with complex cultural narratives while celebrating artistic excellence. CAF Development Bank’s recent acquisitions for its permanent collection reflect a growing commitment to using art as both a cultural and economic force. Alejandra Claros Borda , Secretary General of CAF, emphasized the importance of nurturing an ecosystem that connects art, economy, and society, highlighting the potential for creative works to inspire social cohesion and regional development, “Our decision to share this collection reflects a very deep conviction: at CAF, culture is not an ornament or a complement, it is a strategic pillar of development, as essential as infrastructure or environmental sustainability.
Cultural and creative industries generate more than 30 million jobs worldwide and represent over 3% of global GDP.” Hosted in White-Meyer House, part of Meridian’s historic campus, the exhibition juxtaposed contemporary works against architectural heritage, creating a dialogue between history and innovation. Secretary General Alejandra Claros (CAF Development Bank) delivers keynote remarks at Meridian’s exhibition opening “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” organized in partnership with CAF Development Bank on September 10, 2025.
Photos courtesy of Jess Latos. Irene Gelfman, exhibition curator, delivers featured remarks at Meridian’s exhibition opening “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” organized in partnership with CAF Development Bank on September 10, 2025. Photos courtesy of Jess Latos. Piero Bonadeo (CC LATAM Center for Latin America Convergence) delivers introductory remarks at Meridian’s exhibition opening “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” organized in partnership with CAF Development Bank on September 10, 2025.
Photos courtesy of Jess Latos. Elizabeth Duggal (Chair of the Meridian Center for Culture and Sports Diplomacy) delivers welcome remarks at Meridian’s exhibition opening “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” organizedin partnership with CAF Development Bank on September 10, 2025. Photos courtesy of Jess Latos. Alejandra Claros (CAF Development Bank), Mrs. Sandra Bisso (Permanent Mission of Peru to the OAS), His Excellency Jose Luis Sardon (Permanent Mission of Peru to the OAS), and Her Excellency Ana Irene Delgado (Permanent Mission of Panama to the OAS) at Meridian’s exhibition opening “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” organized in partnership with CAF Development Bank on September 10, 2025.
Photos courtesy of Jess Latos. Puru Trivedi (Meridian International Center), Alejandra Claros (CAF Development Bank), and Piero Bonadeo (CC LATAM Center for Latin America Convergence) at Meridian’s exhibition opening “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” organized in partnership with CAF Development Bank on September 10, 2025. Photos courtesy of Jess Latos. Maria Łojas-Zielińska (Embassy of Poland) and TK Harvey (Meridian International Center) in conversation at Meridian’s exhibition opening “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” organized in partnership with CAF Development Bank on September 10, 2025.
Photos courtesy of Jess Latos. Charmaine Mapp (Touchstone Gallery) viewing the artwork at Meridian’s exhibition opening “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” in partnership with CAF Development Bank on September 10, 2025. Photos courtesy of Jess Latos. Project summary Meridian International Center Celebrates Latin American and Caribbean Ingenuity with “Travesías Creativas / Creative Journeys” Exhibition | September 2025 Program Areas: Diplomatic Engagement .