Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Oficina de Proyectos Culturales (OPC) in Puerto Vallarta marked its 12th anniversary on May 28 with an evening dedicated to reflection, community engagement, and the celebration of contemporary art. The milestone event brought together local residents and art enthusiasts to honor the institution’s over a decade of cultural contributions to the region.
Opening the evening’s festivities was the unveiling of a significant new public art installation by acclaimed local visual artist Davis Birks. Titled “Empathy is the Answer,” the project belongs to Birks’ ongoing Morse Code / Bar Code series, which he began in 2022.
The installation creatively translates the phrase “Empathy is the Answer” into Morse code dots and dashes at the top of the design, which then extend downward to mimic the familiar lines of a commercial barcode. The decoded text rests clearly at the bottom of the piece, allowing viewers to easily read the underlying message.
By blending the visual language of consumerism with a call for human solidarity, Birks prompts the public to consider whether modern societies should prioritize economic gain or mutual care for one another and the planet.
Birks, a highly accomplished artist who has lived and worked in Puerto Vallarta since 1987, has built an international reputation over a career spanning more than four decades. Born in Seattle in 1957, he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Arizona State University in 1986.
His work has been exhibited across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and can be found in prestigious permanent collections including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Cabañas Cultural Institute. A recipient of the National System of Art Creators grant in 2021, Birks has long balanced his personal studio practice with active advocacy for the region’s cultural development, serving on advisory committees for both the University Center of the Coast and the Vallarta Institute of Culture.
Following the artwork’s debut, the anniversary program transitioned into an accessible and engaging educational presentation led by artist and academic Gustavo Gómez Brechtel. Designed to demystify contemporary art, the talk invited the audience into the diverse ideas, questions, and ongoing debates that shape today’s creative landscape. Rather than adopting a rigid academic tone, the session relied on storytelling and open discussion to create a welcoming introduction for attendees of all backgrounds.
The successful celebration concluded with a social gathering featuring music, cocktails, and cake. This final portion of the evening allowed guests, artists, and organizers to mingle, share perspectives on the new public installation, and toast to the bright future of Puerto Vallarta’s contemporary cultural scene.
Located at Juarez #598 at the corner of Aldama in downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Oficina de Proyectos Culturales (Office for Cultural Projects) (OPC) is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting dialogue through exhibitions, roundtable discussions, public art, and arts education programs. OPC collaborates with artists, architects, curators, academics, and writers who generate ideas that shape our understanding of the city and a cultural landscape connected to Puerto Vallarta but with a global reach. It was established with the intention of contributing to the reflection on the contemporary socio-cultural and artistic environment, and with the mission of sharing with Puerto Vallarta and its visitors. For more information visit their website or Facebook page.