Lifestyles Article - María José Zorrilla
By Joseph Kandoll



Rapid decisions must be made in times of crisis. Maria José Zorrilla, director of culture in Puerto Vallarta, experienced such a moment after the passing of Hurricane Kenna October 25. With the Cultural Festival of November scheduled to begin in just a few short days, she toiled. Phone attached to her ear in between meetings that only added to the pressure, she began to contact the artists. “The most difficult was the total re-coordination of the timing, lodging, transportation and venues.” With the invaluable aid of her assistant, Diana Duarte, she managed to pull it off. What was originally to be 17 days of the festival in November became 14 days of culture in December. “There were only a few groups that we were not able to re-accommodate but, because we already had a contract, we rescheduled them for the Cultural Festival in May.”

What motivates Maria José to work in a position that is often thankless and requires such long hours, often into the night? “I grew up in a family where culture was very important. Without culture and education, you’re not free to choose because you may not even know what choice is. When you have the opportunity to read, you can comprehend the world through the experiences of other people and cultures. The saying goes, ‘You are the author of your own destiny.’ That’s what I believe is most important to provide for the public.”

Have things changed since she took office in 1998? “The budget for cultural activities used to be more like an afterthought. But after I began to get funding from the federal and state levels, the local officials had to take notice.” Fundamental in several city projects, such as the amphitheater of Los Arcos and the new Isla Rio Cuale theater project, the persistent director maneuvered her way through the funding nightmares her predecessors experienced. “This new theater on the island gives us a place to offer performances in a more dignified setting.” The next time you enjoy one of the usually free cultural performances, remember the key person who makes it all possible.