Ian Valz Proud Winner of 1st Cultural Prize
Playwright and director Ian Valz is the proud winner of the Prince Bernhard Cultural Prize 2008. Valz, whose film Panman is currently burning screens in the Netherlands, recieved St.Maarten’s first cultural prize Wednesday evening from the hands of Prince Bernhard Fund Director Adriana Esmeijer during an award ceremony at the Philipsburg Cultural Community Center.
Valz was chose from among 14 candidates selected for their talent and contributions to the performing arts in St.Maarten. The prize consisting of a sculpture made by Antillean artist and Naf 2500, was awarded on the occassion of the 55th Anniversary of the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.
The prize will be given every two years in a category in the field of the arts, science or the preservation of nature. Similar prizes were awarded in Curacao and Aruba.
Guyana-born Valz was chosen as St.Maarten’s first prize winner for his continous promotion of the performing arts during the 20 years since he has called St.Maarten his home.His skills as a playwright and director in numerous plays and especially his film Panman, which made headlines in the US and the Netherlands, puts his name on top of the jury’s list.
PBF wanted the prize to reflect the public’s choice, but after it became clear that only 300 persons had cast their votes for the candidate of their choice, it was decided to have a jury select the winner. PBF representative explained that the jury had selected the prize winner on five criteria: imagination, originality, aesthetics, professionalism and promotion of culture.
Lt.Governor Richards Decorations for the event
The candidates
Previous Plays and Shows held by the candidates
The Philipsburg Community Center
Inside the Community Center
The general public during the Ceremony