They recognize the contribution of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture with the National Ceiba Award

He Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (ICP) received the National Ceiba Award during the tenth edition of Raices Gala in Chicago. The award, granted by the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC), was presented at the annual gala held by the entity at the Marchetti Gallery in the city of Illinois.

The Puerto Rican star, Ricky Martinand the family of the illustrious Puerto Rican artist Rafael Tufino, were also recognized with the same award.

“Since I began management at the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, one of my priorities has been to establish projects that strengthen ties with the diaspora and provide greater access for our Arts and culture to all Puerto Rican communities outside the archipelago. For me, it is a great honor to receive this award on behalf of all the people committed to Puerto Rican culture who work at the ICP. Distinctions like these reaffirm the commitment and great feat carried out by our work team,” he expressed. Carlos Ruiz Cortesexecutive director of the ICP.

Since 2018, the ICP and the NMPRAC have maintained a close relationship that has formed a bridge between the Puerto Rican community in Chicago and Puerto Rico. This year, the NMPRAC recognized the work of the ICP as a guardian of heritage. The prize is a sculptural work representing the Ceiba tree by the artist. Enrique Matos Ortizso each piece is unique.

Using bronze, wood and glass as materials, Matos Ortiz recreates the iconic tree with the Puerto Rican flag every year.

“Every year we give awards to people who have fought to ensure that our culture, history and traditions continue for the next generation. “All the people who are given the award are because they have those roots in our community,” explained Billy Ocasio, director of NMPRAC.

In the past, the National Ceiba Award has been awarded to artists such as Rita Moreno, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Andy Montanez, Jon Seda, Jimmy Smith and Antonio Martorell, among others. Although the entity normally recognizes artists from different disciplines, this is the second consecutive year that they have distinguished a local organization.

In 2022, the Ponce Museum of Art received the award along with a contribution of $20,000 to repair the damage caused by the tremors that affected the southern area.

The executive director of ICP took the opportunity to inform that within the initiatives with the NMPRAC, they will have available a new edition translated into English of the Popular Arts catalog of the ICP National Collection, published in 2022, which includes an exhibition of 65 pieces.

The gala where the awards ceremony was held is held to raise funds. Thanks to these funds it is possible to make the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture free of charge to the public. Your visit does not require prior reservation.