Speech delivered on April 11 at the D&M Awards 2026
We live complex times. Not only outside our borders, but also here, in our small paradise. In our profession today reigns an uncertainty that, at times, seems to weigh too much. For this reason, this year I want to dedicate this gala to my male and female colleagues; especially to the producers of this island and to the artists —brave self-employed in their majority— with whom I am lucky to share work and those daily talks about how we 'survive' day to day.
Our profession is fascinating: it is the perfect mix between vocation and passion. If passion is missing, it's not worth it; and if there is no vocation, it's better not even to try.
Our work is a constant 'What will happen tomorrow?', as José Luis Perales would say. We don't know what the calm of a monthly salary is, nor do we have the certainty of when the next payment will arrive or if the phone will ring again. We live in a continuous state of alert, facing nights of anguish and looking for what to create to keep knocking down doors, because I can assure you that one of the things this blessed profession has taught me is that sometimes the only way to get out is by knocking the door down.
Only we know the sweat and tears that are behind the curtain; those fruits of silence, hard work and, sometimes, of frustration.
There will be those who think: 'If there is so much suffering and stability is scarce, why not dedicate oneself to something else?'. Let me tell you that, in art, choosing is not an option. To abandon would be to go against our own nature; it would be to lose the meaning of the path. What we feel is born within and goes beyond logic: it is love and respect for a profession that, unfortunately, is sometimes belittled or denigrated. It hurts when the sacrifices we make to carry out a project or to support a colleague are overlooked.
Anyone who dedicates themselves to this knows perfectly well what I'm talking about.
My wish is that the day arrives when neither my colleagues nor I have to live with that constant anguish. I dream that our situation will be regulated, so that we can focus on what we do best: creating dreams and happiness. But also creating employment.
Because it is necessary to remember it: an event is not just a party. It is an opportunity for culture and it is an economic engine. Artists and creators also pay taxes, we have families and we have the right to live from our work with dignity.
Therefore, the greatest award I can dedicate today to my colleagues —to all those who make possible a concert, a fair, a musical, a theater or an exhibition among many other events— is the award for resistance.
This recognition is for the producers, creatives and artists; but also for the stagehands, screen technicians, light, sound, hostesses, designers, presenters, camera operators, security guards, cleaning staff and engineers. Thank you for resisting, for enduring the pressure and for not faltering.
May empathy be our greatest defense in a sector where, at times, feelings seem to get lost between figures and contracts.And remember: Art is our passion, but it is also our profession.
Thanks to the institutions, authorities, technicians, media, and people who always trust in our work. Thanks screen, light, and sound technicians.
Thanks family, friends and colleagues for being a reason for daily inspiration.
Long live art and culture.