For Immediate Release August. 10, 2005 - Los Angeles A Beacon of Light in the Shadows of the Cuban Embargo Cuba and the U.S. Collaborate Through Art and Technology at EpoxyBox in Venice, CA Maggie Cuesta, an American art professor who was born in Cuba, was convinced she’d never see this day come. “I never thought I’d see the day when Americans would freely go to Cuba and participate in an event specifically intended to build bonds of trust and friendship”. But they are doing just that at Shared Dreams 2005. Artists Leading the Way Across the Political Divide. Shared Dreams 2005 is an annual international event in Havana that brings together selected Cuban and U.S. artists. A groundswell of grassroots interaction is rising as American and Cuban artists build bonds of friendship and trust despite the long-standing U.S. government embargo against Cuba. Better Late Than Never: Americans in Cuba Even though the International Digital Design Conference has been going on for seven years, Shared Dreams in 2004 marked the first time US designers ever reached across the border to collaboratively develop works of art with Cuban designers. Their common goals of greater peace, understanding, and new friendships have dramatically flourished in Shared Dreams 2005. Premier: the fruits of this new cross-cultural collaboration. The West Coast premier of Shared Dreams 2005 will on October 14th at the EpoxyBox Gallery in Venice, CA. It will feature the entire original collection of Cuban and American art produced for the Conference in Havana, before heading off to Galleries in New York and Miami. Meet the Cuban Artists via Web Simulcast: The Cuban artists will be available for interview via Web Simulcast on October 14th from 5pm – 7pm. MEDIA CONTACT: Larry Richard Phone: 310-228-3600 x212 Email: larry@2breakthrough.com