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Art Exhibition

ICDO’s ‘Kalan Je La’an:
Following the Maya Voice’ - Phase I

ICDO art workshops culminated in the Art Exhibition on January 24 in Teatro De La Ciudad Solidaridad, Playa del Carmen, supported by the Solidaridad municipality and its President,
Mrs. Laura Beristain Navarrete.

Teatro de la Ciudad hosted more than 100 visitors, who witnessed the evolving story of the Maya culture and values.

The event was opened by welcoming speeches from Ms. Josipa Palac, President of ICDO and all those who have backed up the first phase of the project: Director of Instituto Municipal de la Cultura y las Artes de Solidaridad Mr. Luis Ernesto Lopez, Director of Social Development Department of Solidaridad Municipality Mrs. Deyanira Martinez Estrada, Solidaridad Municipality Director for Indigenous Communities Issues Mr. Quetzal Tzab and Mr. Walter Mezeta from Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo (UIMQRoo).

 “It is imperative that we start a dialogue on important issues like the environment and cultural preservation – and art is a great medium for bringing different worldviews across. ‘Maya Voice’ Art Exhibition is dedicated to ‘Kalan Je La’an: Following the Maya voice’ project’s philosophy: giving a voice  to the indigenous inhabitants of the Yucatan peninsula and Quintana Roo region. With this installation we are showcasing how diversity can add value to the society, both indigenous and non-indigenous. By hearing the messages from young artists from 16 communities which they want to transmit we are all learning and becoming witnesses to accomplishing these goals”, said Ms. Josipa Palac, president of ICDO.

At the heart of the Art Exhibition opening were, of course, the ICDO project participants and creators of the Art Installation, who dressed in traditional Maya clothing for the occasion. They shared messages about their culture, roots, heritage, language and future.

The Art Exhibition concluded with a celebration of the Maya language through musical performances by the Tihorappers Crew and Pat Boy. The Tihorappers Crew is a Maya youth group from the Tihosuco community who participated in ICDO’s ‘Kalan Je La’an: Following the Maya Voice’ project. Pat Boy is a Maya rap artist and a prodigy of the musical program Barrio Maya whose single Ximbal Kaaj accumulated more than 2 million views on social media.

ICDO’s Honorary Ambassador Ms. Jessica Fernandez Garcia moderated the event.⁣⁣