Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo – The Municipal Institute of Culture and Arts (IMCA) today officially opened its 2025 “Páalal Meyajna Át (Children Creating)” summer arts program at the Centro Cultural, welcoming 218 young participants aged 7 to 17.
Over the next four weeks—Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM—students will rotate through hands-on workshops including music, theater, modeling, papier-mâché, author’s bookbinding, and expressive movement (introductory dance).
“Our aim is for every child to discover a spark—whether it leads them to ongoing workshops here or to the Escuela de Iniciación Artística affiliated with INBAL,” said IMCA Director Ernesto Santiago Martínez Cuéllar.
Program Overview
Under Mayor Estefanía Mercado’s directive to broaden cultural access citywide, this year’s courses build on last summer’s inaugural offering, which enrolled 150 participants. IMCA expanded the curriculum to include traditional crafts and Maya-language storytelling, reflecting community feedback for greater diversity.
Participants are grouped by age and interest, ensuring tailored instruction:
- Ages 7–10: Focus on visual arts and theater basics
- Ages 11–14: Emphasis on music and mixed-media projects
- Ages 15–17: Advanced workshops in bookmaking and dance expression
Parallel Sessions in Puerto Aventuras
Simultaneously, the IMCA’s Puerto Aventuras Music School welcomed 33 children (ages 6–15) for classes in painting, Maya language, vocal training, and combined piano/guitar lessons. A third session—centered on contemporary dance and performance—will run August 11–22 at the Bellavista neighborhood’s INBAL-affiliated art school.
Parents praised the safe, enriching environment. “My son discovered a passion for singing he never knew he had,” said local mother Marcela López. “These programs keep kids engaged and inspired all summer.”
Community Impact and Future Plans
By integrating structured arts education with Mayor Mercado’s support, IMCA aims to nurture creativity, confidence, and civic pride among Playa del Carmen’s youth. Organizers report 95 percent of spots filled within hours of registration opening, underscoring strong demand for cultural programming.
Looking ahead, IMCA is planning:
- Evening adult classes in visual and performing arts
- Weekend family workshops in traditional crafts
- Outreach partnerships with local schools and community centers
These expansions reflect the administration’s commitment to making the arts accessible year-round, fostering a more vibrant cultural landscape for all residents.
