GeoAmericas

The GeoAmericas program is a pioneering multimedia and multilingual geo-referenced system that promotes sustainable tourism and cultural industries while showcasing the extensive heritage and cultural diversity of Latin America and the Caribbean. In partnership with local institutions, the program uses geographic information systems, texts, videos and 360º images to identify and disseminate cultural, educational, environmental and health-related sites and information. GeoAmericas reaches a broad audience, from regional and global tourists to students, researchers and educators.

GeoAmericas is not just a geo-referenced map – it is also set to become one of the main cultural and thematic databases for the region, with the distinction of having an open platform that invites the participation of local community members. The program also increases the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises operating in the tourism sector and offers Website training and development opportunities.

GeoNet
This project unites and trains a network of youth to contribute to the information gathering and generation of portal content while receiving valuable skills that will help them in their future professional lives. The goal is to promote social inclusion of youth in the tourism sector, which strengthens both their self-esteem and cultural identity.

Other GeoAmericas Products:

• GeoTour360º, for virtual exploration
• GeoTravelers, for adventurous globetrotters
• GeoArt, for creative expressions
• GeoTimelines, for historic and cultural presentations
• GeoImages, for striking videos and photography
• GeoNews, for the latest in news and events
• GeoBlogs, for social networking

For more information, please visit: www.geoamericas.org

Community Museums

The Community Museums program advances the development, implementation and smooth operation of community museums in the Americas by providing practical information and sustainable guidance to museum directors as well as leaders and members of rural and urban communities.

The program’s portal hosts detailed information about 120 community museums in nearly a dozen countries and provides extensive and user-friendly manuals, training videos, and materials on the role community museums play in the cultural, social and economic development of the region. The program also brings together museum and community leaders in workshops to receive additional capacity building and reflect on their personal experiences.

Community museums are created and maintained by community members themselves. Their existence strengthens cultural identity, preserves traditions and collective history, and provides education and job opportunities. The ICDF’s Community Museum program helps promote communities’ active participation and sparks the creation and development of new museums throughout the hemisphere.

For more information please visit: www.museoscomunitarios.org

Related Projects:

Lake Titikaka Museum Complex in Guaqui, Bolivia
ICDF provided seed money for the development of the Lake Titikaka Museum Complex on the lake’s shores in Guaqui, Bolivia. The ecotourism complex includes handicraft production and a water and sanitation project as well as the Museum of the Ethno History and Cultures of the Lake and the Railroad and Port Museum set in a 1900’s-era train station. The complex aims to increase the economic base of the Guaqui Aymara community and share its cultural riches with regional and international tourists.

Museum of Art of Lima (MALI) in Peru

The ICDF supported the development of a master plan for the renovation of the Museum of Art of Lima (MALI) which exhibits art collections of great historical importance and offers workshops and guided visits to students from across Peru.

Bank of Musical Instruments

The Bank of Musical Instruments program supports underprivileged children and youth in Latin America and the Caribbean by strengthening musical education programs that promote social inclusion, serve as vehicles to strengthen values, and contribute to the full development of individuals and their communities.

The program consists of three components:

i) Donating musical instruments and accessories to established organizations working with disadvantaged communities;

ii) Offering educational courses and training workshops on maintenance and repair of musical instruments; and

iii) Recovering and disseminating regional musical patrimony by digitalizing musical scores and making them available on the Bank of Musical Instruments portal.

For more information please visit: www.bankofmusicalinstruments.org

Related Projects:

The ICDF supports numerous music programs that unite underprivileged children and youth through musical and education training. The Foundation has donated and facilitated the transportation of musical instruments and accessories in support of projects including:

• Orchestra Program for Youths at Risk in the Caribbean, a program developed by the Organization of American States (OAS) in support of Haiti, Jamaica and St. Lucia

• The Mexican Children Symphony Orchestra of Mexico

• Symphony for Life in Ecuador of the Fundación Orquesta Sinfonica Juvenil del Ecuador (FOSJE)

The ICDF is currently working in support of:

• The Nucleos Estudais de Orquestras Juvenis e Infantis da Bahia (Neojiba) in Bahia, Brazil

As the program further develops, the ICDF continues its outreach to other countries in the region.

Projects under consideration:

 The World Potato Museum

This project will showcase the history, development, impact, socio-economic importance and influence of the world's most important root crop: the potato. The museum, geared toward students, researches and tourists, will include the potato's most fascinating and surprising aspects through information, entertainment, and debate. The museum will boost sustainable socio-economic development through the increase of economic activity, the promotion of cultural traditions, and agricultural investigation and technology.