2024-11-27 13:54:00
This Wednesday 27 November in Seville, the Kings of Spain presided over the delivery of the 2023 Gold Medals of Merit for Fine Artswith which the Ministry of Culture honored 37 personalities and cultural entities, among which posthumous Estopa, Albert Serra, Pablo Berger and María Teresa Campos stand out. All the people involved in the event had words of remembrance for the Valencian Community and the victims of DANA.
Felipe VI, in his speech, mentioned only one of the winners, the painter Juan Genovés, “for being a Valencian artist and for Valencia, especially these days, to be so close to our thoughts and hearts“, to claim his work ‘The Embrace’ as a symbol of the “profound meaning of the word reconciliation”.
For his part, the Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasunhe opened his speech by recalling that “almost a month ago, on 29 October, the heart of this country stopped beating in Valencia, scene of a DANA whose devastating consequences thousands and thousands of people in the affected areas are still facing it with determination and courage.
“I want my first words in this ceremony to be a sincere tribute to who lost their lives following the floods in Valencia, Castile-La Mancha and also in Andalusiaand to all those who, in the midst of inconceivable difficulties, work tirelessly every day to recover their home, their work and the daily flow of an existence now crossed by pain, loss and uncertainty. An emotional memory for all of them,” Urtasun added.
Estopa performs “Como Camarón”
On behalf of the winners, director Pablo Verger also concluded his speech with “a big hug to the Valencian people and Valencian artists” before the performance of the Catalan duo Estopa who sang ‘Como Camarón’, a performance which they defined as “unforgettable” receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
Las entities that have received the Gold Medal they are the Chillida Leku Museum, the Sorolla Museum Foundation, the Balearic Cultural Opera, the Seville Association of Sacred Art, the Bromera Foundation for the Promotion of Reading, the Victoria de los Ángeles Foundation, the Alicia de Larrocha Foundation, the magazine ‘Cultural Heritage and Law’, at the International Classical Theater Festival of Almagro and at the Center for Conservation and Restoration of Graphic Documents of the Island of La Palma.
In case of cinema personalityCulture distinguished directors Pablo Berger and Albert Serra; and the director and audiovisual producer José Luis López-Linares. Also to actors like Luis Zahera, Vicky Peña and Gemma Cuervo; and screenwriters Isabel Peña Domingo and Isabel Campo Vilar. In the musical section, Estopa and the conductor Antoni Ros-Marb were awarded.
Furthermore, the artist, restorer and master glassmaker Carlos Muñoz de Pablos received the Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts; the patron and collector Candela Álvarez Soldevilla; the state lawyer of the Ministry of Culture, Carmen Acedo; the jurist Rodrigo Bercovitz Rodríguez-Cano; the clown Pepe Palacio; the stylist Modesto Lomba; the dancer and choreographer Antonio Najarro; to the playwright José Sanchís Sinisterra; the lighting technician Juan Gómez-Cornejo Sánchez; to the librarian Gloria Pérez Salmerón; and El Ranchito.
A posthumous titlethe recognition is granted to the journalist, radio presenter and television presenter María Teresa Campos; to the screenwriter and director Patricia Ferreira; to the children’s and youth literature writer and communicator Miguel Ángel López González ‘El Hematocrítico’; to the cartoonist Carlos Pacheco; and actress Itziar Castro.
What was the significance of the Gold Medals of Merit for Fine Arts ceremony in Seville this year?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Cultural Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the recent Gold Medals of Merit for Fine Arts ceremony held in Seville. Joining us is cultural expert Dr. Laura Delgado. Laura, can you tell us about the significance of this ceremony and why it resonates deeply at this moment in Spain?
Dr. Laura Delgado (DLD): Good afternoon! Absolutely, the Gold Medals of Merit for Fine Arts is a prestigious recognition that honors individuals and entities that have made significant contributions to Spain’s cultural landscape. This year’s event held special meaning due to the recent catastrophic floods in Valencia, which have profoundly impacted many lives. The ceremony was both a celebration of artistic achievement and a moment of solidarity with those affected by the DANA.
TNE: That combination of celebration and remembrance seems particularly poignant. Can you elaborate on the speeches given by King Felipe VI and Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun?
DLD: Certainly. King Felipe VI specifically highlighted the work of Valencian artist Juan Genovés, whose piece ‘The Embrace’ symbolizes reconciliation—a fitting theme given the recent tragedies. His mention of the artist connects the cultural honors to the emotional landscape of Valencia at this moment. Minister Urtasun, on the other hand, opened by paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the floods and acknowledged the resilience of those still coping with the aftermath. His speech underscored not just the importance of arts in healing but also the cultural community’s responsibility to stand with those in need.
TNE: It sounds like the ceremony provided a platform not only for recognition but also for healing. How did the performances, particularly by Estopa, contribute to this sense of unity and remembrance?
DLD: The performance by Estopa, particularly their rendition of ‘Como Camarón’, was a powerful emotional high point. Music has a unique ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia and camaraderie, making it an ideal medium for such an occasion. By dedicating their performance to the Valencian people, Estopa helped channel the collective grief into something uplifting, which received immediate resonance from the audience, evident in their standing ovation.
TNE: The honorees this year included a range of cultural entities—from the Chillida Leku Museum to foundations promoting reading. How do these diverse contributions reflect the broader cultural fabric of Spain?
DLD: Each of these entities plays a critical role in preserving and promoting Spain’s rich cultural heritage. For instance, the Chillida Leku Museum showcases the work of one of Spain’s most significant sculptors, while the Bromera Foundation focuses on bolstering literacy and fostering a love for literature among young people. Together, they symbolize a commitment to a cohesive cultural identity that values both the arts and education—a necessity for societal growth and resilience.
TNE: It’s clear that the Gold Medals of Merit not only acknowledge individual achievements but also encourage a collective cultural ethos. Looking forward, how do you think events like this can impact local communities, especially in times of crisis?
DLD: Events like the Gold Medals of Merit can serve as an emotional anchor for communities, especially after a crisis. They remind people of their shared values and cultural traditions, fostering a spirit of unity and healing. Additionally, by celebrating local art and artists, it can inspire those in affected communities to express their experiences and emotions through creative outlets, helping them process trauma and rebuild their sense of identity.
TNE: Thank you, Laura, for sharing your insights into this meaningful ceremony. It’s been a pleasure to discuss how culture can provide hope and resilience in challenging times.
DLD: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep these conversations alive, especially in moments like this.