on Friday said his administration is always committed to building a nation-state that includes all Peruvians.
The Head of State inaugurated the “Ruraq Maki, Made by Hand” 2026 exhibition in Lima’s San Borja district.
The top official said a true nation-state must include all social classes, as well as the country’s Quechua, Aymara, and Amazonian populations.
“We will always remain committed to building a new nation-state, rejecting ideologies that kept the real or deep Peru at a distance,” Balcazar expressed.
Likewise, the president underscored the importance of promoting culture and leaving behind the historical neglect and biased view it has endured for a long time.
During the ceremony, the Head of State presented the Distinguished Personality of Culture award to master artisan Gerasimo Sosa Alache in recognition of his contributions to Chulucanas ceramic craftsmanship.
The Ruraq Maki 2026 exhibition features 200 groups of artisans and traditional artists from across the country, representing 21 Indigenous peoples and the Afro-Peruvian citizens.
The exhibition aims to contribute to the safeguarding of Peru’s traditional handicrafts and traditional art, recognized as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage.
It also promotes the development of fair trade value chains for the benefit of the communities that preserve these traditions, while fostering intergenerational transmission and the exchange of traditional knowledge and expertise with the public.
The exhibition will be held from July 17 to 29 at the Ministry of Culture headquarters.
#NotaDePrensa | Arte y tradición peruana ???? El presidente de la República, José María Balcázar Zelada, lideró la inauguración de la exposición-venta “Ruraq Maki, hecho a mano” en la sede del Ministerio de Cultura, la cual estará abierta al público del 17 al 29 de julio.
Esta… pic.twitter.com/feaHnzzBDT
— Presidencia del Perú ???? (@presidenciaperu) July 17, 2026
(END) NDP/RMCH/MVB
