ISSA Bolivia Commissioner Juan Bustillos Receives the Carlos III Ibero-American Award

The Carlos III Foundation of Spain, in collaboration with the Patiño Foundation, held the second edition of 

the Carlos III Ibero-American Award ceremony in Bolivia. The event took place on April 24 at Espacio Patiño in

 Santa Cruz.

Juan Bustillos, ISSA Commissioner for Bolivia, was honored with the Carlos III Ibero-American Award in 

recognition of his outstanding artistic achievements and his contributions to the field of sculpture workshops.

The ceremony brought together numerous distinguished representatives from Bolivia’s cultural, academic, 

and social sectors. In addition to the award presentation, the event also included an investiture ceremony for 

new “Distinguished Members” of the Foundation.

The award aims to establish an international platform of excellence to recognize outstanding achievements 

across the Ibero-American region in the fields of culture, the arts, and public institutions.

The Carlos III Foundation is composed of more than 40 current and former presidents from countries across

the Americas, as well as Nobel laureates such as Mario Molina (Chemistry), Oscar Arias (Peace), Camilo José 

Cela (Literature), and Mario Vargas Llosa (Literature). The Foundation’s mission is to honor excellence and 

its profound impact on building the Ibero-American community, positioning this award as a prestigious 

benchmark with global influence.

The ceremony was hosted by Vanessa Pereira Durán, Vice President of the Carlos III Foundation from Bolivia.

 Her presence added special significance to the event: it represents an initiative rooted in national identity, 

aimed at bringing Bolivian talent to the international stage, while further strengthening cultural ties between 

Bolivia and the broader Ibero-American world.

At the opening of the event, Alba Valderrama, National Director of Cultural Affairs of the Patiño Foundation, 

delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of consolidating cultural identity through such recognition 

mechanisms and extending its influence beyond national borders.

Contributors: Juan Bustillos, ISSA Bolivia Commissioner; Luis Fernando Chumacero Gutierrez

Editor-in-Chief: Liu Qin

English Editor: Sun Ya'nan

Legal Advisor: Tao ran'ting