Mexican institute celebrates decade of culture

It is an architectural bright spot in a city largely devoid of attractive modern buildings. That alone would qualify the Mexican cultural Institute for praise…but over the last ten years it has been the activities inside the innovative structure that have proved the wisdom of its creators.

Janelle Chanona, Reporting

In 1993, the Government of Belize put up the land and the Mexican Government constructed the building. Flagged as the cultural wing of the embassy, ten years later, the Mexican Institute has become a fixture on the Belizean arts and culture scene.

Over the last decade, Belizeans and visitors alike have tried their tongues at the Spanish language, but the highlights have been the constantly changing art exhibitions, educational displays and presentations to commemorate major Mexican festivals.

Arturo Trejo, Mexican Ambassador to Belize

“I’m very satisfied as Ambassador of Mexico to Belize, I’m very satisfied with the work and the collaborations we have achieved with different institutions in Mexico and in Belize.”

But as Mexican Ambassador to Belize, Arturo Trejo, points out, the partnership has also promoted the work of our Latin American neighbours.

Arturo Trejo

“As far as I remember in the two years that I have been acting as an Mexican ambassador here in Belize, we have presented artists from Columbia, Argentina, Cuba and we are very pleased to be an important part of the cultural life of Belize. I think this is the main achievement of this institution.”

To mark the tenth anniversary of the Mexican Institute, thirty-six pieces from twelve different artists out of Merida in Yucatan will fill the gallery for the next month.

Arturo Trejo

“For this tenth anniversary we are having everything in the spirit of the Mexican-Belizean collaboration. We are having a programme for that. I look to the future and I hope that we can even get more sponsoring from companies from Belize and Mexico in order to have a richer offering of cultural performances.”

Official ceremonies for the tenth anniversary of the Mexican Institute are set to start tomorrow night at seven. In addition to the art show, guests will also enjoy romantic Mexican music and performances by the Pallotti Chamber group.