Centro Nacional de Artes (National Art Center) - CENAR, San Salvador

The National Art Center, or CENAR, was founded in the late 1960s as part of an educational reform led by the Ministry of Education at the time. Since then, it has become one of El Salvador’s leading institutions for artistic training-especially in visual arts and theater.

CENAR offers a wide range of free visual arts courses, allowing students to specialize in areas like drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, screen printing, photography, new technologies, art history, and professional artistic development. It’s a space designed to help aspiring artists grow their skills, refine their creativity, and contribute to the country’s cultural scene.

The School of Theater at CENAR also plays a major role. It offers both regular and open acting courses that dive into everything from theater history and actor’s ethics to stage production, directing fundamentals, improvisation, body expression, voice projection, and even dance. It’s all about giving students the tools to explore their craft and build a strong foundation for the stage.

Beyond its educational programs, CENAR is also a hub for the arts, regularly hosting cultural events, performances, and exhibitions. Whether you're a student, an artist, or just someone with a passion for creative expression, it’s a place where art truly comes to life.