**Celebration of a Journalism Icon: Merry MacMasters Receives Prestigious Award**
Renowned cultural journalist Merry MacMasters has been honored with the 2024 “Fernando Benítez” National Cultural Journalism Award. The accolade was presented to her during the final day of the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) on December 8th, in an event held at the Juan Rulfo Auditorium. High-profile attendees included José Trinidad Padilla López, president of the FIL, and Marisol Schulz, the fair’s director-general.
This award recognizes MacMasters’ outstanding career spanning over four decades, marking her as a prominent figure in cultural communication, chronicling, reporting, and her extensive and in-depth coverage of the plastic arts, as noted by FIL Guadalajara.
Unlike many of her peers who shift their focus over time, Merry MacMasters has consistently dedicated herself to the realm of cultural journalism. Originally from New York, MacMasters has made significant contributions through her work with various media outlets, where she’s reported on exhibitions, art events, and conducted interviews with both national and international artists. Her journalism extends beyond mere reporting; she strives to make art accessible to wider audiences and emphasizes the critical role of cultural institutions in preserving and promoting Mexico’s artistic heritage.
Throughout her speech, MacMasters argued the necessity of personal engagement in journalism, stating, “There’s no substitute for hitting the streets and finding the heart of the story.” She highlighted how digital contact cannot replace the nuances of face-to-face interaction.
A graduate in art history from Universidad Iberoamericana, MacMasters began her career as a reporter at Radio UNAM in 1980, later working for El Nacional before joining La Jornada, where she remains a cultural reporter. Her notable coverage includes the litigation over Remedios Varo’s works and the disappearance of pieces from Los Pinos, alongside interviews with notable figures such as Leonora Carrington, Spencer Tunick, and Rufino Tamayo. In 2017, the Mexican Senate acknowledged her contributions, and she has also been awarded the National Journalism Prize by the Yucatán International Reading Fair.
Reflecting on her career, MacMasters said, “I can’t imagine having done anything else in my life, as journalism has given me everything,” a sentiment met with resounding applause from the audience.
—
**Expanding the Appreciation to Cultural Journalists Worldwide**
In related developments globally, cultural journalism continues to gain recognition as a vital component of media. Recent awards in various countries highlight the role of journalists who bring cultural stories to the forefront. The cultural narrative is not just about the arts but intersects with politics, society, and heritage, providing readers with a profound understanding of diverse cultural landscapes.
Efforts are also underway to provide more resources and platforms to emerging journalists in this field, encouraging rigorous yet engaging storytelling. Across the world, the importance of culture in daily news coverage is increasingly acknowledged, aiming to foster appreciation and deeper connections among diverse communities.
As the conversation about cultural journalism grows, the narratives of distinguished journalists like Merry MacMasters light the way, showcasing the power of dedicated cultural reporting in enriching the global dialogue around arts and heritage.