Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future: The Story Behind the Art of Hotel Rumbao, A Tribute Portfolio in Puerto Rico.
Caribbean Art Consulting Case Study: Hotel Rumbao
Our Curation team had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Lang & Schwander Hotel Interiors to create a comprehensive art package for the Hotel Rumbao, a Tribute by Marriott conversion in Old San Juan. This project is one of the most noteworthy hospitality endeavors in Puerto Rico at the time.
Exterior photography courtesy of Hotel Rumbao by Marriott at San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Our intention behind the art package was to showcase modern art and interiors while honoring San Juan's rich history. Given the property's extensive historical significance and its annual influx of hundreds of thousands of tourists, we approached the project with deep reverence and respect for the local heritage.
Discover how we successfully completed this project, facing challenges and gaining valuable insights along the way. We'll highlight our key learnings throughout the creative process, sharing perspectives from both our team and our client.
Cultural Curation Strategies for Caribbean Hospitality
Creating the art package for this project was a meticulous, two-year journey. Our challenge was to design pieces that would seamlessly integrate with the project's overarching design aesthetic, enhancing both the guest rooms and common areas. We committed ourselves to this task, overseeing significant development in the guest rooms while collaborating closely with local artists to infuse innovative art concepts.
Drawing inspiration from Puerto Rico's vibrant history, we carefully curated themes that included folkloric expressions, petroglyphs, national pride, modern graffiti, and more.
Guestroom wall art package curated from local artists by Juliana Roslin -Art Firm for the Hotel Rumbao - Tribute by Marriott.
The process required us to skillfully balance the diverse expectations of multiple stakeholders, including the Interior Design Team, Ownership, Management Teams, and the Brand itself.
Navigating these perspectives was crucial in crafting an art package that not only met but exceeded expectations. In the end, our collective efforts resulted in a harmonious and cohesive artistic vision, one that honored both the island's rich traditions and its contemporary spirit.
Custom Wallcovering Mural designed and installed by Art Firm for the reception of Hotel Rumbao - Tribute by Marriott.
Cultural Art Consulting Framework for Caribbean Hospitality
1. Heritage-Driven Cultural Discovery
Our team across North and South America conducts on-the-ground heritage audits, blending native traditions with contemporary influences. As WBENC/NMSDC-certified consultants led by Juliana Roslin (of Latin American heritage), we decode regional symbolism through an authentic cultural lens.
2. Bicultural Brand Alignment
We bridge brand standards with cultural authenticity, leveraging our local team members' insights into regional aesthetics and community values.
3. Pan-Latin Artist Collaborations
Our certified minority enterprise activates vetted artist networks from Mexico to Puerto Rico, prioritizing emerging Caribbean and Latinx creators through an intentional art curation process.
4. Culturally Intelligent Art Production
Juliana Roslin's team implements culturally sensitive production protocols, from Mayan textile-inspired patterns to hurricane-resistant materials and mounting protocols.
5. Immersive Installation & Impact Tracking
Our bilingual installation teams provide efficient cost-saving solutions while honoring the client's original design intent to create narrative-driven placements. At the same time, post-project audits measure cultural engagement using metrics refined across 30+ Latin American hospitality projects.
Meeting Tribute Marriott Brand Standards Through Local Artistry
The client's vision board prominently featured Vejigante masks from the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan. Our initial proposal included a collaboration with esteemed Puerto Rican artist Lorimar Matos, which the client enthusiastically embraced.
This collaboration significantly influenced the concept for the art package. The inclusion of Vejigante masks added depth and cultural relevance to our overall vision, aligning perfectly with the client's desired aesthetic.
Working on crafting art for Hotel Rumbao in Old San Juan, inspired by the local heritage, was truly invigorating. Collaborating as a team, we approached the project with profound passion and a strong sense of duty. Our goal was to create a cultural reflection of the island through each artwork, paying homage to the enchanting elements of the land that captivate all who experience it.
