Belize Tourism Through Art – that’s the name of the Belize Tourism Board’s recently concluded art competition. It saw some 19 pieces of Belizean artwork showcased to the public, with the first-place winner, San Pedro’s own Edwardo “Papo” Alamilla awarded a five thousand dollar prize. Additionally, ten of the competing artists received staycation packages courtesy of the BTB and partnering resorts. The competition was held in commemoration of World Tourism Day 2023, observed this year under the theme “Tourism and Green Investments”.
Celebrating Tourism Through Art
A total of forty artists submitted their work to the BTB’s Tourism Through Art competition. The winning piece, Edwardo “Papo” Alamilla’s “Our People, Our Landscape, Our Tourism” was unanimously selected for first prize. It showcases Belize’s natural landscape in all its beauty, including flora, fauna, and iconic attractions.
Edwardo “Papo” Alamilla’s “Our People, Our Landscape, Our Tourism”. Photo Credit: Belize Tourism Board
Alamilla’s piece, along with all the others, showcases this year’s World Tourism Day theme. The theme is a call to action for all those in the tourism industry to invest in people, planet, and prosperity. The BTB also gave special recognition to artist Kirk Cruz. Cruz taught himself to paint with his left hand after being injured and left paralyzed in 2006.
“I’m very thankful to the Belize tourism board for this award and just wanted to say that art is my life, it is my passion and in the future I plan to open a center for disabled people to come and learn artwork in San Pedro to uplift people using art.
Kirk Cruz, Artist
Anyone interested in taking a look at all the shortlisted pieces for the Belize Tourism Through Art Exhibition can do so by visiting the Belisle Art Gallery at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts, between now and the end of October.
Photos courtesy of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB)
