NUESTROS SOCIOS OPINAN: CECILIA GARCÍA-HUIDOBRO
Negocios, Mexico / Saturday, February 20, 2010
Lifestyle
Cecilia García-Huidobro
“Chileans and Mexicans are meant to understand each other”
To Cecilia García-Huidobro, the cultural and historical heritage of a nation should not only be admired but also preserved. Born in Chile, she has been a determined advocate of initiatives to preserve historical buildings and public spaces. Here in Mexico, where she came to stay in 2009, she decided to pursue this work promoting projects with a Latin American scope.
“I am not a historian, I studied philosophy but love history.” This is how Cecilia García-Huidobro explains her passion for historical and cultural heritage, not only in her home country, Chile, but also in the whole of Latin America. This simple phrase explains why she has devoted over 15 years of her life to activities linked to the preservation of historical buildings, convinced that one of the main concerns of all nations should be the preservation of their architectural heritage, regardless of whether it is managed by a public or private entity.
In Chile, this passion led her to assume different responsibilities. She was in charge of Chile’s Cultural Heritage Corporation, presided over the Federation of Friends of Museums, was vice president of the Naval and Maritime Heritage Corporation and, a few months before she moved to Mexico, she founded the Chilean Association of Owners of Historic Houses and Parks, which she still chairs. Also, she has participated in several restoring projects for historical buildings.
In Mexico, it is such passion that has led Cecilia to discover a country she has always been fascinated by and has motivated her to participate in different projects related to the preservation of historical heritage, although this time through an ambitious “Latin American scope.”
Cecilia has focused on building a network of owners of historical buildings in Latin America and is currently involved in the creation in Mexico, Peru and Ecuador of similar associations to the ones she heads in Chile. Also, with the support of the Banamex Cultural Foundation, she is organizing a world meeting of associations of owners of historical buildings.
All this has a very clear goal: to strengthen the links between Latin American countries, from the shared interest of preserving the cultural and historical splendor reflected in their architecture.
While this version of Bolivar’s dream comes true, Cecilia is working to achieve this and at the same time is enjoying her life in Mexico, fascinated by the wonders of its culture, its people and its everyday life.
—How did you come to Mexico?
My arrival in Mexico was quite an accident. I came because the company my husband works for, a German company, offered him a new position in Mexico City. I have a passion for heritage and culture but the most important heritage of all is my family, so I decided to embrace the changes with a positive attitude and a great deal of optimism, as Mexico is a country I have always been fascinated with, like most Latin American people. And so I came to Mexico intending to find and enjoy the best of the country.
—How do you like your life here?
I love Mexico. I think that anywhere you go people is the most important element and Mexico has a fantastic human capital. There is an underlying charm, a fascinating sense of humor and a way to enjoy life. There is also a dose of madness that I find very appealing. It is almost surreal, the most unexpected can happen, things that may not seem a 100% reasonable but are part of the country’s enchantment.
Mexico’s problems are cyclical rather than structural. I insist, Mexico’s best asset is its people and I am sure its leading position will last, not just within the Latin American region.
I am only discovering this nation and I constantly get signals from everywhere. Currently I am only reading Mexican literature, especially essays, and I also try to watch as many Mexican films as I can.
—What are your best experiences in Mexico?
There are so many interesting people! I have learned a lot and I have made great friends. I have been nurtured by all the people I have met. Mexicans are very kind and the best hosts ever!
I am really enjoying myself. Mexico is a vibrant city. It is not the dangerous and chaotic place some people see from the outside.
I love going to the Centro Histórico. Sometimes I think “I am going to stroll down one street, only one street”… And it never ends! There is so much to see! Let alone zones like Colonia Roma!
Mexico’s heritage is alive, one that is constantly evolving, inspiring currents. It is there, intact.
When I walked into the house of Barragán, for instance, I nearly died. Seeing the work of such a genius in architecture was impressive. His proposal had a huge impact on me. It is not the same as just seeing it in books. Actually being there and understanding his vision of space and the vision of the man behind his architectural proposition.
And then there is the food… simply exquisite! Whatever I find, I have to taste it. I was in Yucatán and I tried dishes that even now I do not know what they were, but they tasted delicious.
—Do you miss Chile?
I keep very close to my country. I am part of the National Council for Culture and the Arts in Chile and therefore I travel home very often. Also, I keep very close ties with the Chilean Association of Owners of Historic Houses and Parks, which is an organization I helped found in order to build social networks amongst the owners of historical buildings who are interested in preserving this heritage. That also intends to create awareness in society about the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the country.
Also, I think that the relation between Chileans and Mexicans, no matter how different we may be, works particularly well. Both Chileans and Mexicans are meant to understand each other and that is why we should work more in reinforcing communication and cooperation channels between our nations, because we really work great together.
As a Chilean woman in Mexico, I am trying to contribute to finding new cultural links between our nations. For instance, upon an invitation from the Ambassador of Chile to Mexico, I am currently involved in the organization of a literary encounter between Mexico and Chile, together with the Universidad Veracruzana.
—Could these ties be built from topics such as preservation of cultural heritage?
Of course. I am certain that we need a cultural and heritage initiative with a Latin American approach. This kind of initiatives make our nations come together.
—Do you think there is a solid ground to fuel an initiative of this sort?
Mexico’s architectural heritage is never ending. There are a lot of people who own properties with huge value and historical relevance who are currently doing very interesting work.
For example, the Banamex Cultural Foundation along with the Pedro and Elena Hernández Foundation, are doing excellent work in terms of restoring and preserving Yucatán's and other states' heritage. I would say it is a one-of-a-kind work in the world.
Also in Colonia Roma, in Mexico City, there are historical houses owned by private individuals who have been willing to preserve such heritage. It is wonderful to see them doing so.
What matters is that these efforts should not be isolated. That is why I am supporting the creation of an organization like the Chilean Association of Owners of Historic Houses and Parks in Mexico, integrated by private individuals but working systematically with the government, through the National Monuments Council. I think it is essential to understand that the preservation of heritage should not regard public and private sectors as rivals but as allies. The most intelligent thing to do is to work together and not as competitors.
This is a decade long system in Europe. The owners of historical buildings are a very well organized group, very well informed and perfectly coordinated with public officials.
The basic idea is to do the same in Latin America; hence it is very important to create an organization of this nature in Mexico. But it is equally as important in other countries, such as Peru and Ecuador, where we are also working.
My purpose is to plan an International meeting of such organizations in Mexico, in order to develop ties and exchange experiences. It is something I am currently working on with the support of the Banamex Cultural Foundation. The idea is to hold this meeting at the end of this year.
—What would be Mexico’s role in such an ambitious initiative?
Undoubtedly a project like this should be led by Mexico because of several reasons: the importance of its heritage, its history and the roots of its cultural heritage.
I think that if we move from here we may be able to boost a project with a Latin American reach. We have a lot in common and Mexico is an indisputable leader in Latin America, a longtime role model.
Lifestyle
Cecilia García-Huidobro
“Chileans and Mexicans are meant to understand each other”
To Cecilia García-Huidobro, the cultural and historical heritage of a nation should not only be admired but also preserved. Born in Chile, she has been a determined advocate of initiatives to preserve historical buildings and public spaces. Here in Mexico, where she came to stay in 2009, she decided to pursue this work promoting projects with a Latin American scope.
“I am not a historian, I studied philosophy but love history.” This is how Cecilia García-Huidobro explains her passion for historical and cultural heritage, not only in her home country, Chile, but also in the whole of Latin America. This simple phrase explains why she has devoted over 15 years of her life to activities linked to the preservation of historical buildings, convinced that one of the main concerns of all nations should be the preservation of their architectural heritage, regardless of whether it is managed by a public or private entity.
In Chile, this passion led her to assume different responsibilities. She was in charge of Chile’s Cultural Heritage Corporation, presided over the Federation of Friends of Museums, was vice president of the Naval and Maritime Heritage Corporation and, a few months before she moved to Mexico, she founded the Chilean Association of Owners of Historic Houses and Parks, which she still chairs. Also, she has participated in several restoring projects for historical buildings.
In Mexico, it is such passion that has led Cecilia to discover a country she has always been fascinated by and has motivated her to participate in different projects related to the preservation of historical heritage, although this time through an ambitious “Latin American scope.”
Cecilia has focused on building a network of owners of historical buildings in Latin America and is currently involved in the creation in Mexico, Peru and Ecuador of similar associations to the ones she heads in Chile. Also, with the support of the Banamex Cultural Foundation, she is organizing a world meeting of associations of owners of historical buildings.
All this has a very clear goal: to strengthen the links between Latin American countries, from the shared interest of preserving the cultural and historical splendor reflected in their architecture.
While this version of Bolivar’s dream comes true, Cecilia is working to achieve this and at the same time is enjoying her life in Mexico, fascinated by the wonders of its culture, its people and its everyday life.
—How did you come to Mexico?
My arrival in Mexico was quite an accident. I came because the company my husband works for, a German company, offered him a new position in Mexico City. I have a passion for heritage and culture but the most important heritage of all is my family, so I decided to embrace the changes with a positive attitude and a great deal of optimism, as Mexico is a country I have always been fascinated with, like most Latin American people. And so I came to Mexico intending to find and enjoy the best of the country.
—How do you like your life here?
I love Mexico. I think that anywhere you go people is the most important element and Mexico has a fantastic human capital. There is an underlying charm, a fascinating sense of humor and a way to enjoy life. There is also a dose of madness that I find very appealing. It is almost surreal, the most unexpected can happen, things that may not seem a 100% reasonable but are part of the country’s enchantment.
Mexico’s problems are cyclical rather than structural. I insist, Mexico’s best asset is its people and I am sure its leading position will last, not just within the Latin American region.
I am only discovering this nation and I constantly get signals from everywhere. Currently I am only reading Mexican literature, especially essays, and I also try to watch as many Mexican films as I can.
—What are your best experiences in Mexico?
There are so many interesting people! I have learned a lot and I have made great friends. I have been nurtured by all the people I have met. Mexicans are very kind and the best hosts ever!
I am really enjoying myself. Mexico is a vibrant city. It is not the dangerous and chaotic place some people see from the outside.
I love going to the Centro Histórico. Sometimes I think “I am going to stroll down one street, only one street”… And it never ends! There is so much to see! Let alone zones like Colonia Roma!
Mexico’s heritage is alive, one that is constantly evolving, inspiring currents. It is there, intact.
When I walked into the house of Barragán, for instance, I nearly died. Seeing the work of such a genius in architecture was impressive. His proposal had a huge impact on me. It is not the same as just seeing it in books. Actually being there and understanding his vision of space and the vision of the man behind his architectural proposition.
And then there is the food… simply exquisite! Whatever I find, I have to taste it. I was in Yucatán and I tried dishes that even now I do not know what they were, but they tasted delicious.
—Do you miss Chile?
I keep very close to my country. I am part of the National Council for Culture and the Arts in Chile and therefore I travel home very often. Also, I keep very close ties with the Chilean Association of Owners of Historic Houses and Parks, which is an organization I helped found in order to build social networks amongst the owners of historical buildings who are interested in preserving this heritage. That also intends to create awareness in society about the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the country.
Also, I think that the relation between Chileans and Mexicans, no matter how different we may be, works particularly well. Both Chileans and Mexicans are meant to understand each other and that is why we should work more in reinforcing communication and cooperation channels between our nations, because we really work great together.
As a Chilean woman in Mexico, I am trying to contribute to finding new cultural links between our nations. For instance, upon an invitation from the Ambassador of Chile to Mexico, I am currently involved in the organization of a literary encounter between Mexico and Chile, together with the Universidad Veracruzana.
—Could these ties be built from topics such as preservation of cultural heritage?
Of course. I am certain that we need a cultural and heritage initiative with a Latin American approach. This kind of initiatives make our nations come together.
—Do you think there is a solid ground to fuel an initiative of this sort?
Mexico’s architectural heritage is never ending. There are a lot of people who own properties with huge value and historical relevance who are currently doing very interesting work.
For example, the Banamex Cultural Foundation along with the Pedro and Elena Hernández Foundation, are doing excellent work in terms of restoring and preserving Yucatán's and other states' heritage. I would say it is a one-of-a-kind work in the world.
Also in Colonia Roma, in Mexico City, there are historical houses owned by private individuals who have been willing to preserve such heritage. It is wonderful to see them doing so.
What matters is that these efforts should not be isolated. That is why I am supporting the creation of an organization like the Chilean Association of Owners of Historic Houses and Parks in Mexico, integrated by private individuals but working systematically with the government, through the National Monuments Council. I think it is essential to understand that the preservation of heritage should not regard public and private sectors as rivals but as allies. The most intelligent thing to do is to work together and not as competitors.
This is a decade long system in Europe. The owners of historical buildings are a very well organized group, very well informed and perfectly coordinated with public officials.
The basic idea is to do the same in Latin America; hence it is very important to create an organization of this nature in Mexico. But it is equally as important in other countries, such as Peru and Ecuador, where we are also working.
My purpose is to plan an International meeting of such organizations in Mexico, in order to develop ties and exchange experiences. It is something I am currently working on with the support of the Banamex Cultural Foundation. The idea is to hold this meeting at the end of this year.
—What would be Mexico’s role in such an ambitious initiative?
Undoubtedly a project like this should be led by Mexico because of several reasons: the importance of its heritage, its history and the roots of its cultural heritage.
I think that if we move from here we may be able to boost a project with a Latin American reach. We have a lot in common and Mexico is an indisputable leader in Latin America, a longtime role model.
Traducción:
El Estilo de Vida
Entrevista
Cecilia García-Huidobro
"Los chilenos y los mexicanos están destinados a entenderse"
Negocios, Mexico / Sábado, 20 de febrero 2010
Para Cecilia García-Huidobro, el patrimonio cultural e histórico de una nación no sólo debe ser admirado, sino también en conserva. Nacido en Chile, que ha sido un decidido defensor de las iniciativas para preservar los edificios históricos y espacios públicos. Aquí en México, donde llegó para quedarse en 2009, decidió llevar a cabo esta labor de fomento de proyectos de alcance latinoamericano.
"Yo no soy un historiador, estudié filosofía, sino la historia de amor." Así es como Cecilia García-Huidobro explica su pasión por el patrimonio histórico y cultural, no sólo en su país natal, Chile, sino también en toda América Latina. Esta sencilla frase explica por qué se ha dedicado más de 15 años de su vida a actividades relacionadas con la preservación de edificios históricos, convencido de que una de las principales preocupaciones de todas las naciones debe ser la preservación de su patrimonio arquitectónico, con independencia de que es dirigido por una entidad pública o privada.
En Chile, esta pasión la llevó a asumir responsabilidades diferentes. Estuvo a cargo de Patrimonio Cultural de Chile Corporation, presidió la Federación de Amigos de los Museos, fue vicepresidente de la Naval y Marítimo Corporación del Patrimonio y, pocos meses antes de que ella se mudó a México, fundó la Asociación Chilena de Propietarios de Casas Históricas y Parques, que todavía preside. Además, ha participado en varios proyectos de restauración de edificios históricos.
En México, es tal pasión que Cecilia ha llevado a descubrir un país que siempre ha estado fascinado por ella y que ha motivado a participar en diferentes proyectos relacionados con la conservación del patrimonio histórico, aunque esta vez a través de un ambicioso alcance "de América Latina."
Cecilia se ha centrado en la creación de una red de propietarios de edificios históricos en América Latina y actualmente está involucrado en la creación en México, Perú y Ecuador de las asociaciones similares a las que se dirige en Chile. Además, con el apoyo de la Fundación Cultural Banamex, se está organizando una reunión mundial de asociaciones de propietarios de edificios históricos.
Todo esto tiene un objetivo muy claro: fortalecer los vínculos entre los países de América Latina, desde el interés común de preservar el esplendor histórico y cultural se refleja en su arquitectura.
Si bien esta versión del sueño de Bolívar se hace realidad, Cecilia está trabajando para alcanzar este objetivo y al mismo tiempo disfruta su vida en México, fascinado por las maravillas de su cultura, su gente y su vida cotidiana.
-¿Cómo llegaste a México?
Mi llegada a México fue todo un accidente. He venido porque la compañía de mi marido trabaja para una empresa alemana, le ofreció un nuevo puesto en la Ciudad de México. Tengo una pasión por el patrimonio y la cultura, pero el patrimonio más importante de todo es mi familia, así que decidí aceptar los cambios con una actitud positiva y un gran optimismo, ya que México es un país que siempre he estado fascinado con, como la mayoría de la gente de América Latina. Y así llegué a México con la intención de encontrar y disfrutar de los mejores del país.
-¿Qué le parece la vida aquí?
Me encanta México. Creo que donde quiera que vaya la gente es el elemento más importante de México y tiene un capital humano fantástico. Hay un encanto subyacente, un fascinante sentido del humor y una manera de disfrutar la vida. Hay también una dosis de locura que me parece muy atractiva. Es casi surrealista, el más inesperado puede suceder, las cosas que pueden no parecer un 100% razonables, pero son parte del encanto del país.
Los problemas de México son cíclicos y no estructurales. Insisto, el mejor activo de México es su gente y estoy seguro de su posición de liderazgo va a durar, no sólo dentro de la región de América Latina.
Yo soy sólo el descubrimiento de esta nación y que constantemente recibe señales de todas partes. Actualmente estoy sólo lectura de la literatura mexicana, sobre todo ensayos, y también tratar de ver como muchas películas mexicanas como puedo.
-¿Cuáles son tus mejores experiencias en México?
Hay mucha gente interesante! He aprendido mucho y he hecho grandes amigos. He sido alimentada por todas las personas que he conocido. Los mexicanos son muy amables y los mejores anfitriones nunca!
Estoy disfrutando mucho de mí mismo. México es una ciudad vibrante. No es el lugar peligroso y caótico algunas personas ven desde el exterior.
Me encanta ir al Centro Histórico. A veces pienso: "Voy a caminar por una calle, una sola calle" ... y nunca termina! Hay tanto para ver! Por no hablar de zonas como la Colonia Roma!
Patrimonio de México está vivo, que está en constante evolución, las corrientes de inspiración. Es allí, intactas.
Cuando entré a la casa de Barragán, por ejemplo, casi me muero. Al ver la obra del genio de este tipo en la arquitectura es impresionante. La propuesta tuvo un gran impacto en mí. No es lo mismo que acaba de ver en los libros. En realidad, estar allí y comprender su visión del espacio y la visión del hombre detrás de su propuesta arquitectónica.
Y luego está la comida ... simplemente exquisito! Lo que me parece, tengo que probarlo. Yo estaba en Yucatán y traté de platos que aún hoy no sé lo que eran, pero tenía un sabor buenísimo.
-¿Echas de menos Chile?
Guardo muy cerca de mi país. Yo soy parte del Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes de Chile y por lo tanto viajar a casa muy a menudo. Además, mantengo una relación muy estrecha con la Asociación Chilena de Propietarios de Casas Históricas y Parques, que es una organización que ayudó a fundar el fin de construir redes sociales entre los propietarios de los edificios históricos que están interesados en la preservación de este patrimonio. Que también tiene la intención de crear conciencia en la sociedad sobre la importancia de preservar el patrimonio cultural del país.
Además, creo que la relación entre los chilenos y los mexicanos, sin importar cuán diferentes seamos, funciona especialmente bien. Tanto los chilenos y los mexicanos están destinados a entenderse y es por eso que debemos trabajar más en el fortalecimiento de canales de comunicación y cooperación entre nuestras naciones, porque realmente tenemos un gran trabajo juntos.
Como una mujer de Chile en México, estoy tratando de contribuir a la búsqueda de nuevos lazos culturales entre nuestras naciones. Por ejemplo, a una invitación del Embajador de Chile en México, actualmente estoy involucrado en la organización de un encuentro literario entre México y Chile, junto con la Universidad Veracruzana.
-Podría ser que estos lazos se construirá de temas como la preservación del patrimonio cultural?
Por supuesto. Estoy seguro de que necesitamos una iniciativa cultural y el patrimonio con un enfoque de América Latina. Este tipo de iniciativas hacen que nuestras naciones se unen.
-¿Crees que hay una base sólida para impulsar una iniciativa de este tipo?
Patrimonio arquitectónico de México no tiene fin. Hay un montón de gente que posee propiedades de gran valor y relevancia histórica que actualmente están haciendo un trabajo muy interesante.
Por ejemplo, la Fundación Cultural Banamex, junto con la de Pedro Hernández y Elena Fundación, están haciendo un trabajo excelente en cuanto a la restauración y preservación de Yucatán y del patrimonio de otros estados. Yo diría que es un one-of-a-trabajo de clase en el mundo.
También en la Colonia Roma, en la Ciudad de México, hay edificios históricos de propiedad de particulares que han estado dispuestos a preservar ese patrimonio. Es maravilloso verlos hacerlo.
Lo que importa es que estos esfuerzos no deben ser aisladas. Por eso estoy apoyando la creación de una organización como la Asociación Chilena de Propietarios de Casas Históricas y Parques de México, integrada por particulares, sino trabajar sistemáticamente con el gobierno, a través del Consejo de Monumentos Nacionales. Creo que es esencial comprender que la preservación del patrimonio no debería considerar a los sectores público y privado como rivales, sino como aliados. Lo más inteligente que hacer es trabajar juntos y no como competidores.
Se trata de un sistema de larga década en Europa. Los propietarios de los edificios históricos son un grupo muy bien organizado, muy bien informado y perfectamente coordinado con los funcionarios públicos.
La idea básica es hacer lo mismo en América Latina, por lo que es muy importante para crear una organización de esta naturaleza en México. Pero es igualmente importante en otros países, como Perú y Ecuador, donde también estamos trabajando.
Mi propósito es planificar una reunión internacional de estas organizaciones en México, con el fin de desarrollar los lazos e intercambiar experiencias. Es algo que estoy trabajando actualmente con el apoyo de la Fundación Cultural Banamex. La idea es celebrar esta reunión a finales de este año.
-¿Cuál sería el papel de México en la iniciativa de tan ambicioso?
Sin duda un proyecto como este debe ser liderado por México, debido a varias razones: la importancia de su patrimonio, su historia y las raíces de su patrimonio cultural.
Creo que si nos movemos de aquí podemos ser capaces de impulsar un proyecto con un alcance de América Latina. Tenemos mucho en común y México es un líder indiscutible en América Latina, un modelo a seguir por mucho tiempo.
posted by EDITOR | 7:29 AM
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