PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Wednesday, March 21st the 2018 Culture Prize was awarded to young Xochiquetzal Li Gonzales Toro, an 18-year-old student of the Charlotte Brookson Academy for her digital art piece.
The Prize was awarded by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Jorien Wuite at the Creative Industries Interactive Exchange Forum held at the Belair Community Center.
Ms. Gomez’s submission was unanimously chosen from the 14 pieces submitted by creative artists aged 15-24. Committee members, comprising of representatives from the Minister’s Cabinet, Culture Department, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Youth Parliament and a locally recognized artist, judged works based on originality, appeal, content and impact.
Ms. Gomez’s work was appreciated for its marketability and its use of national symbols. She was presented by Minister Wuite a plaque designed by local artists Loic Bryan and Zulayka and Tyrone Peterson and a cash prize of NAF 2,500.
Minister Wuite congratulated all of the submitting artists and awarded them each a certificate of participation at the forum’s exhibition.
