INSTAR AWARDS

INSTAR launched a new annual award in 2020. The particular focus of this recognition will change each year, but its objective is to recognize Cuban artists, activists, and citizens who work for independent art, social justice, and the ethical improvement of our society. The non-monetary prize, awarded on a discretionary basis by consensus among the members of the Institute's coordination team, consists of support for professional needs and increasing the work’s visibility, as agreed upon with the recipient.

2021

• Kiriam Gutiérrez Pérez


In its second year, the INSTAR Award went to trans activist Kiriam Gutiérrez Pérez for her sustained efforts over more than two decades on LGBTIQ + activism in Cuba, with an emphasis on trans femininities.

2020

• Ezequiel Suárez


In its first year, the INSTAR Award consisted of the Institute’s financing and management of a monograph of Suárez’s work. The inaugural award was given to a creator whose work, beyond cultural, market, or official recognition policies, has been established as a benchmark for autonomous cultural creation, management, and socialization for the current and future Cuban artistic and intellectual community. With this gesture we seek to honor talent and perseverance and reward the nobility of those who advocate creative freedom.