Panama, November 20, 2025 - The Ministry of Culture organized a memorable evening with the First Grand Gala of Retirement of National Competition of the Arts, where the winners of the Ricardo Miró National Prize for Literature, the Roberto Lewis National Prize for Visual Arts and the Roque Cordero National Music Award were awarded.

The event, held at the Aurea Multifunctional Theater "Baby" Torrijos, brought together authorities, artists, diplomatic body and special guests at an event that honors the projection of national talent.

For the first time, literature, visual arts and music became a single recognition ceremony, highlighting the creative force of the country and celebrating the artistic excellence of the 14 winners.

During the gala, the winners of the Roque Cordero contest were recognized: Daniel Fernando Oropeza, winner of the category Solo with Extrapolation and of the category Orquesta Symphony with Reversion and Emiliano Pardo Tristan, awarded with saloma and with "Now I have Istmo in every pore."

In literature, the Ricardo Miró Prize distinguished Alex Marshal Marshal for "Rog Bone Knife" at Teatro, Eduardo Jaspe Lescure at Tent with "Again Night" and Novela with "Venom Inwards" and Edgardo Bracho Garay at Essay for "Recreation and Exodus" and Alexander Morales at Poesia with "The Falling of Six Poesies."

In visual arts, Roberto Lewis recognized Shirley Dianne Johnston De León with "Back to MY" in Painting, Xenia Carles de Ameglio with "Body of Light" in Sculpture and Eloy José Olivella Madrid with "Leal" in Photography.

The night was marked by an emotional tribute to the outstanding Panamanian artist Áurea "Baby" Torrijos, an essential figure in the national stage formation.

During the gala, the Ministry of Culture officially announced that the Multifunctional Theater of the City of the Arts will have its name, in recognition of its legacy, its trajectory and its profound fingerprint at the theater, dance and artistic education of Panama.

In his words, the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, emphasized that this gala sets a starting point to strengthen citizen participation in national competitions and to give these awards the place they deserve as part of the Panamanian cultural landscape.

The Minister gave a message especially to those who dream of being part of future editions: "To those who dream of being here some day, I say to them: participate. Keep writing, practising, painting and composing. Panama needs his talent, his discipline and his creativity.

Excellence is born from perseverance and art has the power to open up ways, transform and make us better human beings. That gala is only the beginning, and the next editions will be even bigger because you will be a part of them. "

From this year onwards, the Grand Gala National of Retirement will be held every year as an official event of the Panamanian State, supported by Resolution No. 0000924-2025, complying with the commitment of the National Government and President José Raúl Mulino to promote talent, strengthen creative industries and project the City of the Arts as the cultural epicentre of the country.