The chapter explores the vibrant Puerto Rican community in Orlando, often referred to as Puerto Rico’s seventy-ninth municipality due to its cultural and linguistic ties. Despite being a refuge for many, the Puerto Rican visual art scene in Orlando faces challenges that diverge from its reputation as a cultural haven. The narrative traces the history of Puerto Rican migration to the area, noting waves of arrivals due to economic instability, violence, and natural disasters. However, despite the growth of the community, the local visual art scene has been historically underdeveloped and focused on engaging tourists. Puerto Rican artists in Orlando have faced difficulties in gaining recognition, receiving fair compensation, and finding platforms for their work. Efforts are being made to change this, with new generations of artists pushing for increased representation and the inclusion of Puerto Rican narratives in the city’s art and cultural landscape.
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