Simón I. Patiño Educational and Cultural Centre
Stories from the people and staff around the Foundation Centres
Name
Alba Balderrama
Centre
Simón I. Patiño Educational and Cultural Centre
Typical day at the Centre
I plan the agenda of activities at the Centre on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. For these activities, I generate copy and images for our website that is also shared with cultural networks and the press. As well as coordinating with the press, I also deal with agents and actors involved in our activities. The most important part of my job is to ensure our visitors feel engaged with the Centre, our staff and our events.
Highlights
I have been particularly proud of the success of events such as the ‘International Contemporary Dance Festival’ and the ‘Latin-American Documentary Film Festival A Cielo Abierto’. Not only have these had a powerful effect on their audiences, but it also means a lot to see the empowerment of our local artists.
I have also enjoyed being part of the creation and development of the ‘Cultural Centres Network of Cochabamba’, working closely with other members of the city’s cultural and pedagogic communities and coordinating our activities.
The future
What excites me most about working as part of the Patiño Foundation is how we can benefit the education and cultural well-being of Bolivians. The Foundation is based on a tradition of working closely with disadvantaged communities, giving them the chance to develop ideas and creativity. It means a lot to me when the Foundation’s Centres work together, giving us a sense of belonging to an organisation that can make a difference.
Recommendations
Visit our Centre to sample our activities, such as workshops and concerts. We are open to everyone and make no distinction on social background.
Simón I. Patiño left a legacy to our city that is more important than not only monetary: Feed the mind, feed the spirit.