“We arrive at this celebration grateful for the legacy of those who handed down to us an organization of great significance in the country’s social and cultural life,” said UNEAC President Marta Bonet at the gathering.

“We are living through times of cruel fascist hostility and a global wave of revived McCarthyism that seeks to erase our identities and subject us to the plunder and squandering of our peoples’ wealth.”

Nevertheless, the institution has defied these challenges to bring art and literature to the people—”the people to whom we belong and whom we must serve in the mission of love for Cuba that has always distinguished us.”

One of the highlights of the tribute gala was when the UNEAC leadership presented Army General Raul Castro with a work representing the “Arte Fiel” (Faithful Art) campaign; the Cuban leader accepted the gift personally.

Another moving moment was the presentation to the president of an original work by visual artist Janette Brossard, inspired by the “Arte Fiel” campaign and the upcoming centenary of Fidel Castro.

In recognition of their achievements in the intellectual and creative spheres, the “Arte Fiel” distinction marking UNEAC’s 65th anniversary was also awarded to the organization’s founders and Honorary Members, including intellectual Abel Prieto, poets Miguel Barnet and Nancy Morejon, and actress Veronica Lynn.

Also honored were National Visual Arts Award winner Lesbia Vent Dumois, pianist and composer Frank Fernandez, choreographer Santiago Alfonso, National Choir director Digna Guerra, and the deputy head of the Ideological Department of the Communist Party of Cuba, Luis Morlote.

jdt/oda/amr