I was in graduate school working on my masters degree in arts of administration when the pandemic hit. I was taking a course on fundraising in the nonprofit world when we had to take the class online and learn how to use Zoom. Can you believe that was almost 5 years ago? We focused a lot on the necessity of art during times of crisis and sensitivities around needs. If you're not familiar with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, it's the theory that your “higher” needs, so to speak, like art and critical thinking cannot be addressed until you have sustenance and everything needed for your body, like food and shelter.
But there's also an argument to be made that art can shift how needs are delivered and improve things dramatically. I think that, for instance this new album by Bad Bunny has exploded the conversation about the past and future of Puerto Rico for a large number of people just in a matter of weeks, not to mention men being comfortable with sharing their emotions. It is incredible what art can do.
It is also remarkable that this is a Spanish language studio recording, but it is being received by people all over the world, including millions of people who do not speak Spanish. I think that you're going to see a huge Bunny bounce in the economy of Puerto Rico, and hopefully that will make an impact for a very long time to come, because I don't see this man slowing down or compromising his vision in any way. It is inspiring.
The response to the album has been so massive, that he added more shows in September 2025, and I think you can still get them.
