Playa Del Carmen Artists Push for New IMCAS Director amid Community Struggles

Artists and cultural community members in Playa del Carmen are planning to propose a new list of candidates for the director role at the Municipal Institute for Culture and the Arts (IMCAS) in Solidaridad. This move comes after the first 100 days of government, as a response to the current director, Santiago Ernesto Martínez Cuéllar's, perceived lack of support for the cultural community. Cultural promoter Daniela Jáuregui claims this lack of support has been an ongoing issue for several years, worsened by political differences causing divisions among local artists.

Jáuregui explains, “We have experienced a constant lack of support. We believe that if we propose a list of dedicated individuals with a vision, it could greatly benefit the entire cultural community."

Jáuregui points to the upcoming free Christmas party at Parque Fundadores, organized by the newly formed Citizen Council for Sciences, Arts, and Culture, as an example of this lack of support. Despite the event being non-profit, the Council is being charged for municipal services like security, garbage collection, and ambulance use, making it hard to hold the event.

The cultural promoter insists on the need for an IMCAS leader who is committed to the development of local culture, and capable of supporting and promoting projects that benefit the community. The event on December 19 aims to provide a space for local families and artists to come together and promote culture freely, showcasing the talent of Playa del Carmen.

The lack of support underscores the need for changes in the municipality's cultural management. Through these actions, the artistic community hopes to highlight the sector's needs and demand greater sensitivity and commitment from authorities towards culture and the arts in Solidaridad.