In a continuing global effort to preserve art on a global scale, Bank of America announced that La Casa del Libro in Puerto Rico will receive a critical grant to conserve 3,167 artworks damaged during Hurricane María.
It is one of several projects worldwide to receive funding this year through the company’s Art Conservation Project.
For nearly 70 years, La Casa del Libro, a museum and library located in Old San Juan, has enriched the local community through books and art that date back to the 15th century. LCDL preserves and showcases Puerto Rican and Caribbean history, art, and literature through its world-renowned collection.
During Hurricane María in 2017, extended power outages and high humidity levels exposed the 3,167-piece collection to highly contagious mold spores. The grant will help fund mold removal, conservation treatments, rehousing efforts, and implementation of protective storage, restoring the collection to its pre-disaster conditions and safeguarding it from future damage.
“We are deeply grateful to Bank of America for the conservation grant awarded to us,” La Casa del Libro Executive Director and Chief Curator Karen Cana-Cruz said. “This valuable support gives us the opportunity to resume the study and exhibition of the thousands of works affected since Hurricane Maria, for the enjoyment and education of Puerto Ricans on and off the island, as well as all of our visitors.”
This investment in art conservation demonstrates Bank of America’s continued support for Puerto Rican communities, including the 1.5 million Puerto Ricans living in the New York and New Jersey area. Maintaining access to art, history, and traditions strengthens cultural ties to the island and helps inspire future generations.
“The devastating impacts of Hurricane María cannot be understated. It was not just the storm itself, but the months-long aftermath that proved most damaging to LCDL, with uncontrolled environmental conditions claiming countless frames, mats, and pieces of art as casualties,” Alberto Garofalo, president, Bank of America New Jersey, said.
Garofalo has been recognized on two of BINJE’s prestigious rankings having landed on its Top 30 Power Players and the Hispanic Business Leaders list.
“Stabilizing and preserving the vibrant arts and culture represented in this collection will inspire talented Puerto Rican artists to continue studying, creating, and enjoying artwork, both on the island and here in New Jersey, New York and beyond.”
Since 2010, the Art Conservation Project has supported nearly 300 conservation projects in 40 countries, helping safeguard iconic works that are vulnerable to time and environmental stress. All conserved works will return to public display, reinforcing BofA’s commitment to public access.
Bank of America previously supported Puerto Rico through natural disasters, pledging support for economic development, housing, and reforestation following Hurricane María in 2017 and devastating earthquakes in 2018.
This investment also marks Bank of America’s second Art Conservation Project grant awarded to support Hurricane María relief, with Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan previously receiving a conservation grant for 370 works on paper damaged in the storm.
For more information on the Art Conservation Project, click here.
Bank of America has generously contributed to a number of cultural projects in the state.
