About NOCA

Fundacion Nosara Community for the Arts is a duly registered foundation in the National Registry of Costa Rica. NOCA was founded to bridge the social and cultural divide in Nosara that exist between the local Tico community and the rapidly expanding international community of expats. We develop and support programs that bring the community together, promote cross-cultural collaboration, creative thinking and environmental awareness.

No matter the age or background, our aim is to eliminate the stigma while promoting social and environmental consciousness using multi-disciplinary art programs and experiences.

“WE ENVISION NOSARA AS A PLACE THAT CELEBRATES ITS ROOTS AND CULTURES WITH AN OPEN MIND TO THE FUTURE; A PLACE THAT FINDS BALANCE AND HARMONY THROUGH CROSS-CULTURAL CREATIVE EXCHANGE AND ARTISTIC COLLABORATIONS AMONGST THE PEOPLE OF NOSARA.”

Meet the NOCA Team

  • Michel Viau

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Michel Viau is the Founder and Executive Director of NOCA. Michel is a multi-disciplinary designer whose career spans 42 years as Founder, President and CEO of Ove Brand Design, one of Canada’s leading brand design firm. Michel (and his wife Chantal) has adopted Nosara over ten years ago.

  • Tali Ferst

    DIRECTOR

    Tali Ferst is a 12-year Nosara resident and co-owner/manager (with husband Dani) of Moana Surf Resort and proud mother of two amazing sons, Roey and Nadav.

  • Craig Cohen

    DIRECTOR

    Craig & Isabelle Cohen have called Nosara “home” for the last 10 years. Craig is a chartered accountant and partner at Bilanx LLC, NYC. Their son Tristan participated in NOCA’s 2019 “Re-Imagining a Sustainable Nosara program.

  • Lety Prendas

    DIRECTOR & COMMUNITY CONSIENCE

    Lety Prendas was born and raised in Nosara. She serves as NOCA’s “Community Conscience”. Lety was President of the Nosara School Board and has been involved in many local businesses. Lety’s daughter Kenja partipacated in NOCA’s 2019 “Re-Imagining a Sustainable Nosara” program.