A prestigious award has been conferred in recognition of the persistent and invaluable work in promoting and supporting Portuguese performing arts, alongside the strategic projects developed to enhance artistic cooperation between Spain and Portugal throughout a notable career.
The jury, highlighting Américo Rodrigues’ dedication to protecting cultural rights and his efforts to safeguard Portuguese performing arts, also acknowledged his career as an entertainer, cultural programmer, and director of the Teatro Municipal da Guarda (2005-2013). His promotion of cross-border networks with Castilla y León and Extremadura was commended.
Born in Guarda in 1961, Américo Rodrigues was appointed Director-General of the Arts in 2019 and again in 2022, following a public competition by the Commission for Recruitment and Selection for Public Administration (CReSAP).
Previously, he led the Eduardo Lourenço Municipal Library (2005-2018) in his hometown.
Holding a degree in Portuguese Language and Culture from the University of Beira Interior and a master’s in Speech Sciences from the University of Aveiro, Américo Rodrigues is a poet, actor, director, and cultural programmer. He co-founded the Aquilo Teatro collective, the Luzlinar Association, and the Associação Cultural/Teatro do CalaFrio.
In 2011, he was awarded the Medal of Cultural Merit for his contribution to the cultural development of the Guarda region.
The Rosa María García Cano Prize, named after the founder of the theater festival, is celebrating its 14th edition this year. Established in 2012, the prize aims to recognize the continuous work of individuals, groups, and institutions for cultural support, promotion, and development in Spain and Portugal.
This year’s national award recognized the Federation of Professional Circus Associations of Spain, while the regional accolade went to the Centro de Criação Cénica La Parrala, part of the Burgos Scenic Arts Association, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
The award ceremony is scheduled for August 27 at the Montarco Palace in Ciudad Rodrigo, during the 28th edition of the Castilla y León Theater Festival, taking place from August 26 to 30.
The FITEI – Festival Internacional de Teatro de Expressão Ibérica, the Artemrede, the d’Orfeu – Festival i of Águeda, and Teatro e Marionetas de Mandrágora of Espinho are among the Portuguese entities previously honored with the International Rosa María García Cano Prize.
