Opening of ArtisA Strengthens Efforts to Bring Life Back to Downtown Oranjestad

ArtisA is an initiative of Tito Bolivar, whose project contributes to creating more cultural activity and movement in the heart of Oranjestad.

Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and the Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever congratulated Bolivar on the completion of the project and thanked the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEACI) and Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba (SMFA) for their contribution and cooperation in facilitating initiatives that give new purpose to existing buildings and help bring more life back to the city center.

The opening of ArtisA fits directly within the government’s vision for the revitalization of Oranjestad: creating more reasons for people to come downtown, increasing foot traffic in the area and, in turn, creating more opportunities for businesses and traders.

This approach is based on cooperation between the government and the private sector, the reuse of existing buildings, and creating a mix of retail, culture, hospitality, housing and services in the city center.

In recent years, several projects have been initiated in this direction, including AFTA in Oranjestraat, DEACI in Cas Veneranda, the former Interbank building and, most recently, the John G. Eman building.

ArtisA adds culture and art as an additional element that can attract both residents and visitors to Oranjestad.

“Revitalizing Oranjestad is not just about repairing facades or renovating buildings. We must create reasons for people to come downtown, stay downtown and enjoy what downtown Oranjestad has to offer. Every initiative that opens its doors generates foot traffic and creates opportunities for surrounding businesses,” Minister Wever said. Cada iniciativa cu habri su porta ta genera trafico di hende y ta crea oportunidad pa e negoshinan alrededor,” Minister Wever a indica.