PRESS RELEASE
VALPARAÍSO / TORONTO CREATIVE CITIES EXCHANGE
Valparaíso, April 30, 2025 — Today at 11:00 AM, CENTEX will host the signing ceremony to renew the International Creative Cities Exchange between Valparaíso and Toronto, a seven-year initiative that has facilitated cross-cultural artistic collaboration by sending and hosting Chilean and Canadian artists in both cities.
Over the past seven years, prominent Chilean artists such as INTI Castro, GIOVA, Maida-K, Paloma Castro, and Pablo West have showcased their work in Canada through this program, while Canadian artists Jarus and Kreecha have brought their creativity to Valparaíso.
The agreement will be signed by representatives of the partnering Canadian and Chilean organizations:
- Jeff Rogers, representing the Dundas West Museum NGO (Toronto’s largest open-air museum).
- Horacio Silva Duarte, Director of ONG En Colores, Valparaíso en Colores, which has spearheaded public art projects since the exchange’s inception in collaboration with Canada’s Creativo Arts NGO, led by Rodrigo Ardiles—a seasoned expert in international cultural exchanges.
New for 2025: The Mural Parlante Collective, directed by Hugo Pizarro, joins the initiative. Known for transformative projects like the revitalization of Pasaje Quillota and El Vergel Link, this fast-growing organization will further strengthen the civil society partnership. Plans include a collective exhibition at Toronto’s Beaver Hall Art Gallery (September 1–16, 2025), featuring works by Chilean artists from Valparaíso en Colores, Mural Parlante, and Programa Conversor.
Confirmed attendees include:
- Ivo Sandoval, Director of ProChile Valparaíso.
- Giovanni Zamora, Cultural Coordinator for the Municipality of Viña del Mar.
- Representatives from:
- Valparaíso’s World Heritage Site Municipal Corporation.
- The University of Valparaíso’s Vice-Rectorate for Community Engagement.
- The Valparaíso Governorate’s Internationalization and Territories Team.
This renewal underscores the enduring cultural ties between Chile and Canada, fostering creativity and mutual understanding through art.
For media inquiries, contact:
Jeff Rogers
Dundas West Open Air Museum
dundaswest.museum@gmail.com
