Mexico City, July 6, 2021. – Iberdrola México reaffirmed today its commitment to the training of Mexican young people and the conservation of the country’s artistic heritage during the Presentation of the International Scholarship Fundación Iberdrola – Museo Nacional del Prado, addressed for the first time to young Mexicans graduated from Mexican restoration universities or schools.
The Mexican restorer Silvia Ixchel García Valencia received the scholarship after having participated in a stringent screening process together with more than thirty specialists in the country, which will allow to expand her technical skills and know-how at one of the world’s most prestigious conservation and restoration institutions.
The scholarship is focused on painting restoration training and research at the Restoration Workshop of the Museo Nacional del Prado, which received the National Award for Restoration and Conservation of Cultural Heritage from Spain’s Cultural Ministry in 2019.
García Valencia received a bachelor’s degree in Restoration of Movable Property from the Escuela Nacional de Conservación, Restauración y Museografía (National School of Conservation, Restoration and Museography) (ENCRYM), and is currently working at the Centro Nacional de Conservación y Registro del Patrimonio Artístico Mueble (National Center for the Conservation and Registry of Movable Artistic Heritage) (CENCROPAM), which belongs to the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Institute of Fine Arts) (INBA).
“Today more than ever we must foster Mexican young talent. That is why we encourage initiatives that not only improve the quality of life of people in the countries and communities where we operate, but also allow to conserve a cultural heritage. We are convinced that Silvia Ixchel will exalt the name of Mexico and show an outstanding performance during her learning process at the Museo Nacional del Prado, one of the most important and visited museums in the world”, Enrique Alba, CEO de Iberdrola México, said.
“The company has a continuous commitment to the development of art and culture because this is a tool that can generate knowledge and innovation. Thus, Fundación Iberdrola México seeks to contribute to the conservation of heritage”, Liébano Sáenz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Fundación Iberdrola México, added.
This scholarship program is aligned to three UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): quality education (4), decent work and economic growth (8), and sustainable communities and cities (11).
This scholarship will be a turning point in Silvia Ixchel García Valencia’s professional career, which will allow her to continue growing, as well as contributing and putting into practice the knowledge she acquired at the CENCROPAM when she comes back.
At the press conference of her presentation as the winner of the scholarship, Silvia Ixchel talked about and highlighted the importance of preserving art and various pieces that are part of the Mexican cultural heritage, because it is not only a reference for future generations, but also an identity symbol.
