Motivation to support the Numismatic Museum for Art Expo's
One of the most essential elements of a tourism product, the culture of a vacation location, has unfortunately been missing from Aruba from the very beginning of our entry as Caribbean destination.
Surveys continue to indicate that visitors rank knowing about and enjoying the culture of their chosen vacation site among the top 5. With the exception, of late, of some magazines produced for Aruba's visitors which include listings of galleries of museums and some few stories, this key element has not been offered, promoted or supported in the past properly by the governments, ATA and AHATA. I am more then sure that the time has come to do this.
There is, therefore, a serious need for the production of specific and relevant materials on websites, in brochures, flyers and posters in local hotels, resorts and restaurants, high-traffic enterprises, at trade shows and for travel agent and wholesalers.
Aruba has some unique cultural focal points, such as the Numismatic museum; some very relevant and well executed locations of historical and archeological interest; some esoteric displays, such as bibles, trains and shells.
Our local dance groups, of all ages, are quality performers; many of our musicians as well. They are most often available on national holidays or local events. Perhaps, if our visitors knew about these performances, they could be part of the audience in situ. The Bon Bini Festival is much enjoyed and needs more promotion as such and perhaps a new infusion of enthusiasm and expertise.
The talented artistic community of Aruba has been struggling all these years for consistent exposure and financing. One professional organization is at present, regrouping to form a solid foundation to represent painters, sculptors, those working in other art forms, but they are basically on their own via some galleries.
The Museum want to make art exhibitions with an accent on cultural-tradional-historical aspects of Aruba. This way visitors can admire art work and at the same time learn about the history of a specific theme. This is why the first one is dedicated to"Burying the Rooster" / "Dera Gai"
Yes, watersports are important; our excellent assortment of restaurants are well; casinos will always be with us. And while the class of visitors to the island has changed and varied over the years in several ways (places of origin, education, income and interests) they are all still entitled to know who we are and what we have to offer, to show them to the face Aruba through its Culture.
We will be most interested in assisting putting together a small unit of professionals to advise and assist in anyway possible on this next step, using the Museum as portal, to presenting Aruba to our visitors.
I have high hopes that AHATA and ATA will cooperate with us. I think it is important for everyone to see that this ship has started to navigate.
Desiree Croes, director Numismatic Museum of Aruba
Numismatic Museum of Aruba promotes Aruba History, Traditions and Culture.
