Yaquelín Pérez Bodaño has been in charge of the Anita Cruz House of Culture in Bartle for over a decade. The institution's cultural echoes can be heard far beyond that town.

Bartle, Las Tunas.- Her son, Over Jesús, always accompanies her in her work and even seems to be the best worker there, as she confesses. A song, a dance, or any other artistic expression is capable of making her young boy shine, beyond the Down Syndrome that affects his health.

With these and other reasons behind her, the leader of “Anita Cruz” honors the name of the cultural center every day, and that is why it is not surprising that during our talk, she shows a wide smile and her eyes are deep wells through which pride can be felt.

“The ‘House’ has 68 artistic units, with 168 members. A total of 12 of these artists have the national category, the highest level that distinguishes the work of the Movement of Amateur Artists (MAA in Spanish). For example, the group La Paliza, the bolero singer Julio Tamayo, and the theater group Alfonso Silvestre, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, among others, stand out. We have exponents of all artistic manifestations. In addition, we have a group of artisans recognized at the provincial level, including Manolo Rosabal Montero (recently deceased), who represented Las Tunas in fairs held in Havana, Ciego de Avila, and other provinces,” he says.

Awards in the community culture section, the union section, among others, are also mentioned by the director, with more than 30 years of experience in the cultural sector. “The House of Culture has given me a lot, but it has also been a challenge. I went from being a worker to directing, which forced me to improve myself. And it has been beautiful. I have developed work from the grassroots; as a result, I have been recognized as an outstanding cadre at the municipal, provincial, and, twice, at the national level.

“You have to love your work. If you don't love it, you won't achieve results. Besides, for any process to work, it is important to know your group,” he stresses.
Under her aegis, the “Anita Cruz” advances. This is how Yaquelín summarizes part of this year's goals: “We want to make an impact with a cultural project in Bartle, categorize other units, and continue to improve our work.”

Conferences, courses, contests, and initiatives that commemorate historical dates and other significant events shape their work. “We go to the neighborhoods of our community and beyond. It is satisfying to see how the people follow us. And, behind all that, there is a collective that, although small, is a big family, always ready. I am proud of my workers. They, my children (in addition to Over, she is the mother of soloist Lays Rodríguez), and culture are the engines that drive me to continue. Wherever culture is, Yaquelín will be there,” she concludes.