It seems like yesterday. 30 years have passed. In the 1993-94 academic year, within the new revitalization plan of the Lanzarote Teachers' Center and at the beginning of the implementation of the L.O.G.S.E, a group of teachers with artistic concerns met. Pilar Sánchez, Santiago Alemán, Pepín González, Jaime Quesada and others attended the meeting. The objective was to find a space where all the teachers of Lanzarote and La Graciosa could express all their artistic creativity in all its manifestations: pictorial, sculptural, narrative, poetry, monologues, cinema, theater and music.
Santiago Alemán "baptized" the artistic exhibition for teachers with the name of ARTE DOCENTE and committed to making the first advertising poster "Arte Docente 94" and the entire Pedagogical Team of the CEP of Lanzarote set out to plan the first edition in June 1994.
It seems like yesterday, June 13, 1994, the first edition begins at the House of Culture of Arrecife "Agustín de la Hoz". The response was overwhelming and all its spaces in this emblematic house were occupied, on the upper and lower floors they were "filled with art", each author clung to his work and explained his technique and content. Jesús Aguilar, Santiago Alemán, Andrés Allí, Oscar Amador, Jaime Arranz, M. Carmen Betancor, Joaquina Borges, Colectivo Ajey, Paco Curbelo, M. Carmen Díaz, Francisca Escobar, José Ferrer, Maximino Ferrer, Rosa Fuentes, Teresa González, Pepín González, Higínia González, Sonia Hernández, Alberto de León, M. Carmen de León, Juan Adolfo M Topham, Alejandro Meseguer, M. Jesus Navarro, Pepe Noda, Irene Parrilla, Angel Perdomo, Nicolás Pérez, Pino Pérez, Dolores Placeres, Remedios Quintana, Pilar Sánchez, Rufina Santana, Monserrat Sedeño, M. Dolores Viñas and others. The theme and technique of the most varied, in addition to art, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships shone... so much was the enthusiasm that some promised to participate in the following editions: Rosa and Pepe Vera, Toño Armas and others.
Since then, the performance of Benigna Fajardo's daughters was planned for the musical closing. An error attributable to the organization meant that they could not be presented. "Las Motorolas" had not become popular, only the landline existed and the Internet had not arrived. To solve the delicate problem of musical closing of the event, Antonio Corujo's barbershop, right next door, was opportunely approached. Corujo was shaving a client and the setback was explained to him. Before finishing the conversation, Antonio already had the chácaras and the timple in his hands and even the surprised client signed up. Quickly he made a hole among the public and went straight to the foot of the microphone. At the moment, the instruments sounded and with his exquisite memory he began to spread the verses of the poet Victor Fernández el Salinero.
Every May the teachers await the arrival of Arte Docente. The exhibition has been consolidated after three decades and has sought a place in the society of Lanzarote. No guild or island has been able to surpass Lanzarote and La Graciosa in this type of event. Throughout these three decades, the leading figures in education in this country have passed through.
Arte Docente began in the space of La Casa de La Cultura and has returned after its renovation. El Almacén, La Democracia, Salón del Charco, Multicines Atlántida, Casa Benito Pérez Armas (Yaiza) have been the spaces of the exhibition. Hundreds of teachers have participated and enjoyed the exhibition. Local artists and teachers have delighted us with their music, Dioni Sanz, Cristóbal Suárez, Sergio de Paiz, "Graduado Escolar", "Los Indocentes", Coros y Danza, Coral Polifónica San Gines and, from other islands: "Piedra Pómez", Miguel Cedrés "Coquillos", Ramón Araujo "Trio Zapatista" Paco and Marga, Marcos Hormiga, the storytellers of Ernesto R. Abad and the humor of Morgan.
In this 30th Anniversary edition, I have had the opportunity to participate in almost all the activities. I have enjoyed it like the first time: the exhibition, the performance, the musical performance of Daniel Castañeyra and Esperanza Martínez, the Publication of the CEP, "Jameos", with its experiences and communications. The literary gathering between Miguel Aguerralde, Fabio Carreiro and JJ Romero. The girls of "Las Sinsombrero" shone and evidenced the great work of the preparatory phase of the interesting theatrical work. The voices of the Coral Polifónica San Ginés, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary full of recognitions, put the final point to the XXX Edition of the contest. A real treat. ARTE DOCENTE reflects a part of the teaching identity of Lanzarote and has sought a place in the cultural agenda of the island. Long Live ARTE DOCENTE and !HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Juan Cruz Sepúlveda. Former director of the CEP of Lanzarote (period 1993-1999)
