Venezuelan book fair “FLOC UCAB 2021” honors the Venezuelan poet Yolanda Pantin.

Poet Rafael Cadenas received an honorary award “Orden UCAB,” reflecting on language’s power in society and universities’ vital role in progress.

UCAB hosts a manga exhibit celebrating 80 years of Japan-Venezuela ties, and showcasing Hokusai and contemporary artists.

Blanca Strepponi won a poetry prize for “Crónicas budistas,” inspired by Buddhism & walks. Her poems reflect nature & Venezuela. Bicultural (lived in Argentina & Venezuela), she values awards & sees publishing as vital.

Jacqueline Goldberg, a Venezuelan writer selected for University of Iowa’s writing program, explores childhood trauma and her father’s illness in her book. She values literature for confronting reality and connecting with readers through personal stories.

Italian writer Marco Archetti was invited to UCAB as a special guest for “Italian Language Week” and led a journalism workshop. As a trained novelist and columnist, he stresses careful online language use, noting its power and potential for harm.

Venezuelan journalist Manuel Felipe Sierra’s new book critiques political idiocracy & demagoguery, urging critical thinking in the face of misinformation.

Caracas bookstore “El Buscón” thrives despite economic hardship, offering used & new books, and becoming a cultural hub fostering community and literacy.

Publishing house “S&M Editores” pioneered Venezuelan “art books” known as limited, numbered editions redefined as works of art.

Virginia Aponte, UCAB theater icon for more than 3 decades, says theater is her life. She sees theater as vital education and resistance.

Even with the ongoing crisis, Caracas boasted a vibrant and high-quality theater scene in 2018, marked by successful festivals and premieres. Theater served as a crucial avenue for reflection and cultural engagement amidst the unbelievable difficulties.

Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” premieres in Caracas, directed by José Tomás Angola. The tragicomedy explores justice through intertwined stories, highlighting Isabella’s strong female role.

Deus Ex Machina, a Venezuelan theater group (est. 2008), celebrates 5 years since their first play with “Tebas Land.” The trio stages “non-complacent” theater with young actors despite national challenges.

Caracas muralists beautify the city despite hardship. Street art, though facing challenges, highlights overlooked spots. Artists engage communities, using diverse styles to transform urban spaces and reclaim national identity.

Miss International 2018 Mariem Velazco, a Venezuelan in Japan, passionately promotes reading and education, drawing on her reign and studies.

Isabella Rodriguez, Miss Venezuela 2018, from the slums of Petare, addresses child nutrition in her community. Proud of her roots, she now faces the Miss World competition.

Venezuelan singer Annaé Torrealba’s “Pensando en ti” blends joropo with other Venezuelan sounds. As an award-winning artist and advocate for her country’s music, she co-wrote 5 tracks on her fourth album. She champions culture’s vital role, presenting her new work in concert.