Made in Cuba

Stories of resilience, self-reliance and creativity in Cuba, illustrated with beautiful portraits and photos.

Meet 30 creative professionals, makers and entrepreneurs in Cuba. In this book, writers and photographers Molly Mandell and James Burke dive into the remarkable DIY (do-it-yourself) culture that permeates every corner of the country. Fueled by limited trade with other parts of the world, these aren't just pastimes or craft projects. It is simply an element of day-to-day existence and a testament to the self-reliance, resilience and creativity that is synonymous with the Cuban spirit.

The book contains deeply personal accounts of 30 creators: from farmers living almost entirely off their land, to artists restoring once-luminous neon signs and designers circulating an independent magazine with a USB distribution network. It also includes guest essays from the likes of singer and composer Daymé Arocena and writer Leonardo Padura. More than a tome on DIY solutions, Made in Cuba is an inside look into everyday life in the capital city of Havana and beyond.

James Burke is a freelance writer and photographer, and Molly Mandell is an editor and art director. She was formerly Assistant Editor at Kinfolk magazine and art directed Issue 26, in addition to producing The Kinfolk Entrepreneur and most recently, editing and art directing founder Nathan Williams’ The Eye. James and Molly first traveled to Cuba in 2015, when, under the Obama administration, the United States began publicly normalizing relations with the country. They spent significant time developing relationships with expert journalists and scholars and with Cuban citizens who have offered them deeply personal insight into their lives. Though the duo has lived in some of the world’s most creatively rich cities, including Austin, Copenhagen and Berlin, they are passionate about travel and cultural exchange and can frequently be found on the road.