evolution
A magnet arts hub amplifying diasporic contemporary artists in New York and beyond
EL CONSULADO
For years, Venezuelans living in the U.S. haven’t had access to consular or diplomatic services. We decided to imagine something different—a place that isn’t about bureaucracy, but about community, art-making, and creative connection.
EL CONSULADO is our way of turning underused storefronts into vibrant “cultural embassies” where everyone feels welcome. We host exhibitions, performances, workshops, and gatherings, and offer spaces for artists to create and collaborate.
Right now, we’re active online and out in the world—at art shows, fairs, and cultural events—while we get ready for our big move to a new space in 2026. For us, it’s all about keeping our culture alive, building connections, and showing how art can bring people together in powerful ways.
Journey
From pop-up art space to Cultural Institution
Community Space
Phase 1: El Consulado evolved into an art center and community space, hosting art exhibitions, workshops, musical and theatrical performances, film screenings, domino games, and more. The New York-based Venezuelan arts collective Pachanga reimagined the consulate not as a place of bureaucracy, but as a place of community, art-making, and creative connection.
Cultural Institution
Phase 2: EL CONSULADO has evolved from a pop-up art space into a formal multidisciplinary arts collective supported by our fiscal sponsor, The Field, a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We continue to transform underused storefronts into an inclusive "cultural embassy," now with structured governance, international partnerships, and sustainable funding.
VALUES
Core values that inform all aspects of our program development and operation
Cultural Representation
We are committed to providing authentic representation and institutional support for diasporic artists, with a foundation in addressing the longstanding absence of support for Venezuelan artists in the United States.
Artistic & Experimental Excellence
We support the highest standards of artistic quality while embracing risk-taking, innovation, and diverse forms of cultural multidisciplinary expression. We work with artists to develop novel collaboration models for artistic projects.
Community Engagement
We recognize the power of art to build community, foster dialogue, and create meaningful connections among people from different experiences. Our projects involve community members in redefining the constituent parts of an artwork.
WE ARE
Our collaborators include experts in Venezuelan contemporary art, art history, art criticism, performing arts, and film production.
Michel Otayek Carlos Gómez de Llarena Rosa Chavez Violette Bulé Natalia Bravo Carlos Enriquez-González Mauricio Ceppi Ricardo Picón Clarisa Penzini Lara Alcántara L. Gina Monc Claudia Echeverría
YOUR SUPPORT
Membership
Become a Consular Member and receive 10% off all purchases, exclusive event invitations, and a personalized digital membership card.
Become a memberProject Sponsorship
Support specific exhibitions, performances, residencies, or educational programs aligned with your interests and values. Coming soon!
Sponsor a projectCorporate Partnerships
Create tailored partnership opportunities for businesses that provide visibility while supporting our cultural programming.
Explore partnershipsVolunteer Program
Contribute your time and skills to support our operations, programs, and events. Volunteers play a crucial role in helping us deliver our mission and create meaningful cultural experiences.
Volunteer opportunities include gallery attendants, event support, administrative assistance, workshop facilitation, and specialized skills volunteering.
Learn about volunteeringAdditional Ways to Give
- In-Kind Donations — Materials, equipment, or professional services that support our operations
- Legacy Giving — Include El Consulado in your estate planning
- Matching Gifts — Double your impact through employer matching gift programs