José Luis Samaniego, perpetual secretary of the Academy, granted this distinction because "GAM is a transversal and multifaceted institution. It is above all a meeting place, diverse and open. With its contemporary artistic programming of open spaces, GAM also aims to develop audiences. Hence its double merit, both for its broad cultural spectrum and for the diversity of the public to which its very diverse programs are directed."
The ceremony was held at the Headquarters of the Institute of Chile, where the executive director of GAM, Felipe Mella, thanked the recognition: "Today we receive this award as part of a chain of work: that of the playwrights who with a word unleash sensations and ideas in our heads; that of the musicians, actresses, dancers, directors, artists who with a gesture generate new imaginaries for us; and that of the workers of the GAM team, who make this recognition possible. I am grateful today as spokesperson for all of them to the Chilean Academy of Language for stimulating our work with this recognition.”
The Chilean Academy of Language was created 134 years ago to promote and distinguish the different tasks related to the Spanish language. Today it has 36 full members, in addition to six other illustrious and honorary positions, such as that of Gabriela Mistral herself.
The award, which was presented to GAM by the director of the Academy, Adriana Valdés, has been received by important cultural institutions, such as the Theater School of the Catholic University of Chile, the Chilean National Theater, the Ictus, the Pablo Neruda Foundation and the Cultural Center of Spain, among others.