MEDINA DEL CAMPO - I remember the first time I heard the word "mapping." It came from the lips of my boyfriend, a Cuban deeply immersed in the audiovisual world. Over a decade ago, he was dedicated to exploring the nooks and crannies of editing software, trying to master the art of video mapping.

His life was marked by sleepless nights, learning Resolume Arena through tutorials, and perfecting his skills during parties where he was a modest VJ. His passion soon led him to join Proyecto Play, a group that, through self-taught effort, began mapping spaces in the city of Camagüey.

However, the real breakthrough for him and me came when he attended a workshop by Spanish artist Rodrigo Tamariz at the International School of Film and Television in San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba. This encounter allowed him to glimpse a professional future in mapping, a still-developing field that, from my journalistic perspective, holds enormous potential.

Video mapping, that magic of projecting light onto architectural surfaces, is more than a technique; it's a way of telling stories that intertwine digital culture, emerging technologies, and urban life.

In Cuba, where resources for this type of art are limited, high-quality content has been created, captivating audiences with engaging narratives. Since 2010, with the first shows in Havana to the creation of projects like Isla Mapeada and Proyecto Play, mapping has begun to establish its place in the artistic landscape, despite the challenges academia faces in keeping up with contemporary creation.

My personal experience has also shown me how cultural journalism must evolve to capture and reflect innovations in digital art. Throughout my 17 years as a journalist, I’ve learned that cultural knowledge is as much a personal as an academic matter. Now, the Mapping Me! festival in Medina del Campo becomes an invaluable opportunity to learn and experience, thanks to the generosity of its artistic director, Rodrigo Tamariz.

This pioneer of mapping in Spain has not only transformed Medina del Campo into a nerve center but has also shared his knowledge worldwide, teaching and sharing his experience. Although the bibliography is scarce, Tamariz has enriched his YouTube channel with valuable resources, allowing others to follow in his footsteps. This makes me reflect on the importance of documenting and effectively communicating cultural experiences, in a landscape where social media often relegates deep content to the background.

Digital transformation and the presence of internet giants have changed the landscape of cultural journalism, imposing new demands and opportunities. As Spanish journalist Charo Ramos points out, the media must adapt and offer something beyond simple headlines.

I want to thank the organizers of the ninth edition of the Festival of New Technologies Applied to the Performing Arts, Mapping Me!, for the opportunity to share my insights in the inaugural conference of the mentor program titled "Journalism, Mapping, and the City." This festival is an event for learning, a crucible where ideas are exchanged and mutually nurtured.

Ultimately, mapping is a technique that beautifies spaces and invites us to imagine new realities. It also challenges and enriches the way we understand and communicate art. With each projection, Rodrigo Tamariz and his festival not only celebrate the art of mapping but also encourage us to explore its possibilities and integrate it into the cultural fabric of our cities.

Conference space at the cultural center, formerly the Simón Ruiz Hospital.

Ciudad que vivo, projected on the façade of the Hotel Encanto Santa María, city of Camagüey, February 4, 2019.

Arte-facto’s Map**, outside the entrance to the Circuit for Exhibition, Development, and Research of New Media, city of Camagüey, April 2019.

Luz perenne, projected on the façade of the San Juan de Dios Church, city of Camagüey, April 18, 2022.