Casa de las Américas is an organization that was founded by the Cuban Government in April 1959, four months after the Cuban Revolution, for the purpose of developing and extending the socio-cultural relations with the countries of Latin America, the Caribbean and the rest of the world.
Founded by Haydée Santamaría (1923-1980) who was its President until her death, followed by Mariano Rodriguez (1912-1990) and currently (since 1986) presided over by Roberto Fernández Retamar, the Casa de las Américas promotes, researches, supports, awards and publishes the work of writers, sculptures, musicians, and other artists and students of literature and the arts. It awards the Casa de las Américas prize.