The Ministry of Cultures announced the winners of the National Performing Arts President's Award 2025, recognizing outstanding Chilean figures in various disciplines. Among the winners are Marco Antonio de la Parra in authors of performing works and Verónica Villarroel in opera. Minister Carolina Arredondo Marzán highlighted the impact of these artists on national culture.
For the fourth consecutive year, the National Performing Arts Council of the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage announced the winners of the National Performing Arts President's Award. Established by Law 21.175 since 2022, this award honors the excellence, creativity, and contributions of artists, ensembles, and companies to the development of Chile's performing arts sector. Applications are submitted through a public call, with the Council selecting the winners.
The 2025 winners are: Marco Antonio de la Parra in Authors of Performing Works, recognized for his over five-decade career with more than 100 plays addressing memory, human rights, and cultural identity, staged in America, Europe, and Asia; Gyorgy Cerda “Payaso Chirlito” in Circus, with over 30 years promoting contemporary circus as founder of Reciclacirco and projects like La Bandita Alegre; Compañía Danza Espiral in Dance, founded in 1986 by Patricio Bunster and Joan Turner, with a repertoire that forms part of the national living heritage after more than three decades; Jorge “Chino” González in Scenic Design, with nearly 40 years and over a hundred works in scenography, lighting, and costumes for companies like La Troppa and the Santiago Municipal Theater, plus teaching at the University of Chile from 1999 to 2010; Nicolás Lange in Emerging Artist, a 30-year-old playwright with works in over 15 countries and five languages, winner of the XX National Playwriting Showcase and residencies in Florence, Paris, and New York; Verónica Herrera in Oral Narration, with over 40 years disseminating tales, rhymes, and songs, focused on training and researching children's poetic folklore; Verónica Villarroel in Opera, a soprano with over three decades in world theaters, noted for her dramatic intensity and work in teaching and scenic creation; and Víctor Soto in Theater, with over 50 years as a promoter of community theater, founder of ENTEPOLA and ENFETELA, with impact in countries like Brazil and Colombia.
"Today we commemorate those who have left a deep mark on Chilean performing arts. With this recognition, we not only value their trajectories and creative contributions, but also their ability to inspire new generations, expand audiences, open spaces, and strengthen communities across the country through art," stated Minister Carolina Arredondo Marzán. This award aims to bolster Chile's cultural sector by highlighting contributions that inspire and unite communities.