The State Government, through the Yucatecan Institute of Entrepreneurs (IYEM), and in coordination with the National Fund for the Promotion of Crafts, carried out the awards of the Popular Art Contest in its 2023 edition.
In this regard, the General Director of the IYEM, Antonio González Blanco, highlighted that, for the State Government and Governor Mauricio Vila, it is a moral responsibility with Yucatán to preserve the identity and traditions that characterize us culturally, as well as promote it at the national level. national and international through support for artisans who, thanks to the transmission of knowledge, preserve our origin.
“Today, fortunately, thanks to you, our culture can be experienced in every municipality and police station in the state through gastronomy, crafts, clothing, and our language, Mayan, which is the most spoken native language in all of Mexico,” mentioned the head of the IYEM.
He stressed that the Popular Art Contest is here to stay to support the Yucatecan talent that already exists, as well as detect new artisanal seedbeds to continue the legacy and artisanal tradition of Yucatán.
In addition, he highlighted that at the end of the year, there will be many opportunities to promote the products of Yucatecan artisans, including the participation of IYEM in the Yucatán Xmatkuil 2023 Fair, which will feature the presence of 82 artisan workshops that will be there to market. their products. In addition, the third Living Heritage Craft Bazaar will be held in Santa Ana Park from November 16 to 19. “We project that by the end of 2023, more than 3 million pesos of income will have been generated for artisans with these events, in addition to another 5 million pesos thanks to the product that is purchased directly from producers, to be marketed through the “Living Heritage” stores.
Ángel Andrés Vázquez Palomo, winner of the State Popular Art Award, dedicated his victory to his mentor in wood carving and of course, to his family for their support throughout the process.
“I appreciate that these events are held for us artisans, since many times our work is not recognized, the crafts are seen everywhere and no one knows who made them and these types of contests make us visible,” he mentioned.
In turn, the General Director of Museums and Heritage of the State Government Ana Méndez Petterson said that this contest is a recognition of the talent and magical hands of Yucatecan artisans.
“I hope the new generations continue with this ancient heritage because it distinguishes us and gives us identity in the world and that they know how to adapt their talent and products to the present.”
He urged the master craftsmen to teach and share the ancestral techniques with the new generations, just as they once knew them.
The Director of Artisanal Development of the IYEM, Paulina Viana said that talking about the contest is talking about art and artisans who are artists who imprint their originality or particular stamp on each piece.
16 prizes were awarded in a total purse of $100,000.00 (one hundred thousand pesos 00/100 MN) with the first three places in the five categories awarded, with each first place winner taking 8,000 pesos, $5,000 for second places and $3,000 for third places.
Carved wood (altarpieces, sculptures, and masks), henequen and sansevieria, filigree, hard fibers (vine, gourd, lek, gourd, coconut) and artisanal jewelry (seeds, henequen hawthorn, horn and bone) are the five participating categories. In addition, the State Award was awarded with a total prize of 20,000 pesos.
This contest was held to seek the restoration and promotion of traditional crafts, stimulating new creations that preserve the characteristics of the state’s crafts, and promoting the obtaining of quality products.
TYT Newsroom
