Prince of Asturias Awards 1981–2014. Speeches

7 P rince of A sturias A wards 1981-2014. S peeches Speech XXX All of us who feel this Foundation and its Awards to be our own are filled with pride to return to this beloved land of Asturias. Oviedo these days becomes the cultural focal point of Spain in the world. And in times of intense change and uncertainty, this ceremony provides us with a beacon of serenity and values that give us strength and conviction to continue with our work. Our Awards are now 30 years old. An already lengthy distance that we have covered with the conviction that culture is the breath of life. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the search for excellence and its praise. Moreover, through the example of our Laureates, we foster the idea that a freer humanity, devoid of injustice or violence, is possible. And also, because we proclaim that it is necessary to achieve a better world and that we are ready and willing to fight staunchly for it, we have defended generosity, concord and tolerance from the outset. Looking back at what has already been done, we wish to humbly raise our head and pledge to go one step further each day, since, as the poet has said “I never think I’ve arrived, even though I find myself at journey’s end.” We have been accompanied on our exciting, ongoing journey by many people who are worthy of our gratitude and to whom we shall always be indebted: our Trustees and Patrons, for their constant, generous support, vision and affection; the Juries, for providing their valuable criteria in the task of deciding; the Foundation’s Presidents and discreet, efficient team, who always do their utmost with enthusiasm to bring our goals to fruition; in short, so many people, some of whom have sadly left us now, who have believed in this endeavour and have been a driving force in so many ways and from different locations. An important handing over of the baton has taken place this year. I first wish to welcome on board the new Director, Teresa Sanjurjo. In a short time, she has already shown that she fully identifies with the values that imbue our Foundation. Her rigour, professionalism and effectiveness deserve our full confidence for such an important role in our beloved Foundation. I also wish to close this part of my address with a mention for Graciano García. He has deftly exercised the role of Director with extraordinary dedication and passion, from those initial daring steps, full of enthusiasm and conviction, until the maturity and prestige enjoyed today. It seems just and fitting for me to join together with the public recognition you deserve. Our affection and thanks are heartfelt and I know that you shall always stand at our side. Let our attention now turn to this edition’s Laureates. From their different activities, they show us how they live and work moved by a passion impossible to repress: the passion for life and for giving shape to a more serene, more dignified, more complete and happier reality for everyone. Congratulations to you all for doing so, our heartfelt thanks, and welcome to our beloved Asturias, to this ceremony that we hold each autumn with immense joy, with the overwhelming warmth and support of so many people who celebrate, along with us, the triumph of dedication and talent. Richard Serra, an American sculptor with Spanish roots, has received the Award for the Arts for having dedicated his life to the creation of a work of great personality and beauty. Marked by unlimited nuances, his work stands heir to the brilliant characteristics present in history’s great sculptors, painters and architects, those who in their time followed the same path he now travels: that of authenticity, of the force of his creative passion. For him, his sculptures are not inanimate objects, but rather beings that speak of time, space and the movement of people. Serra creates new forms and, to a certain degree, reinvents sculpture. “This ceremony provides us with a beacon of serenity and values that give us strength and conviction to continue with our work.” Watch video