The King, Felipe VI, expressed gratitude this Wednesday during the ceremony awarding the Gold Medal for Merit in the Arts held in Cadiz. He thanked the artists and creators who offer an exceptional view and make possible the richness, diversity, and excellence of Spanish culture.
Accompanied by Queen Letizia, Felipe VI distributed the 32 Gold Medals for Merit in the Arts in 2022 to a diverse group of recipients. Among them were musicians such as Santiago Auserón, Lole Montoya, Víctor Manuel, Luis Pastor, and, posthumously, María Jiménez. The ceremony also recognized filmmakers, actors, and stage directors like Javier Cámara, Mario Gas, Carmen Elías, and Karra Elejalde, along with writers Manuel Rivas and Rosa Montero.
During the event, the King highlighted that these medals represent the country’s highest honor for artists and creators. They embody the collective gratitude of Spanish society toward those who sustain culture in everyday life. As noted by the Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, culture acts as the backstage machinery of democracy, enabling the public sphere to function and flourish.
The Gold Medal for Merit in the Arts serves not only as a recognition of individual achievement but also as an emblem of national cultural leadership. It acknowledges the impact of artistic work on national identity, education, and social cohesion. Recipients are chosen for their exemplary contributions across disciplines, from music and cinema to literature and theater, illustrating the breadth of Spain’s creative ecosystem.
In this ceremony, the Crown kept its focus on the idea that culture is a public good—something that binds communities, sparks dialogue, and fosters innovation. The celebration underscored that artists and cultural figures, by pursuing excellence and advancing new forms of expression, continually refresh the nation’s cultural landscape. The event also served as a reminder of cultural institutions’ responsibility to nurture talent, preserve heritage, and promote accessibility to the arts for people from all walks of life.
Witnesses to the moment noted the symbolic resonance of the medals as a signal that culture remains a foundational pillar of democracy and social progress. The emphasis on collective gratitude reframed artistic achievement as a shared national asset, one that transcends individual fame and strengthens civic life. The ceremony thus stood as a testament to the enduring value of the arts within Spanish society and its global cultural footprint.