![]() “We’re anticipating another incredible fair and are excited to have already unveiled our poster. She’s already excited about the Miami Book Fair in November where they’ve already announced another stellar lineup of writers including Award winning Poet Laureate Richard Blanco, Award winning author and Miamian Edwidge Danticat and Actress Kerry Washington. María Carla Chicuén, Executive Director of Cultural Affairs, Miami Dade College. ![]() Her writing eventually led to her publishing “Achieve the College Dream,” which she “presented at the Miami Book Fair years ago and I also enrolled in workshops which helped me engage with the creative community,” she said. ![]() I participated in scholastic during high school and was a founding member of the Hispanic theater troupe in college at Harvard University. “And as a lover of the arts I was also involved in different dance groups and wrote poetry. “I remember enrolling in theater classes and it being an incredible experience, finding a personal space but also a way to improve my English,” she said. The arts played a significant role in her learning a new language. “We always came together around music, it was by far the most powerful force bringing us together,” she said.Īrriving in the United States from Cuba as a teenager, she recalls adapting to life here and having to learn English. Her grandmother was a pianist, and the piano was at the center of all the family gatherings. Since childhood, she had a curiosity and excitement for the arts and all its forms. Her rich and varied background, both educationally and professionally, have prepared her handsomely for her current role. Both are equally important to the growth and development of our community,” said Chicuén. “I think we have an incredible opportunity, perhaps unique in the city, to reach every household in Miami and offer both a quality education as well as foster cultural awareness. Image courtesy of Miami Dade CollegeĪs head of the Cultural Affairs Department, Chicuén will, as mentioned above, oversee the Miami Film Festival, Miami Book Fair, Freedom Tower Centennial Celebration as well as the College’s other varied cultural venues including Koubek Center, Museum of Art & Design and Live Arts Miami.Įqually important to her is Miami Dade College’s long-standing commitment to education for all individuals. “That helped me learn so much for my current position,” she said.Īt the “Somewhere in Queens” premiere on opening night of the 40th Miami Film Festival are (L-R) Miami Dade College Executive Director of Cultural Affairs María Carla Chicuén, Director of Programming at Miami Film Festival Lauren Cohen, Ray Romano who directed and starred in the film, Vice President for External Affairs & Strategy and Chief of Staff at Miami Dade College Maryam Laguna Borrego and Miami Dade College Board Member Dr. She then had her first tenure as an employee in 2015 as Special Projects Assistant to the Miami Dade College President. I feel honored to be entrusted with that role.”Ĭhicuén’s full circle moment began when she was a dual enrollment student at Miami Dade College during high school. Īs MDC Cultural Affairs Executive Director, she also supports the leadership overseeing the Freedom Tower’s renovation “as well as plans to transform it into a center of innovation and culture. At the Miami Film Festival’s 40th Anniversary we had so many special moments, particularly when Actor Nicolas Cage, a special guest at the festival, engaged with students throughout different campuses during the Miami Film Festival,” said Chicuén. “This role really connects all those pillars in the community. ![]() One of Chicuén’s first major events was in March at the 40th Anniversary of the Miami Film Festival and coming up in November is Miami Book Fair’s 40th Anniversary and one of their biggest upcoming events, the Freedom Tower’s Centennial celebration in 2025. Miami Dade College’s robust cultural affairs programming is a year-round affair and leading the charge is María Carla Chicuén who took the reins as Miami Dade College Cultural Affairs Executive Director earlier this year. María Carla Chicuén speaking at the 2023 Miami Film Festival in March. Image courtesy of Miami Dade College
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