CAHA honors Guam’s creative excellence at Maga’håga Art Awards

Admin
Oct 5
2 min read

By Pacific Island Times Newa Staff

After a 22-year hiatus, the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency hosted the long-awaited return of Guam’s most prestigious arts recognition ceremony, the Maga’håga Arts Awards, formerly known as the Governor’s Arts Awards, on Oct. 4 in the elegant Zefiro Ballroom at the LeoPalace Resort.

The event marked a historic night of celebration, cultural pride and artistic excellence, paying tribute to individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to Guam’s creative and cultural industries.

Nominations for the Maga’håga Arts Awards were submitted by members of the public, reflecting a deep-rooted, community-driven appreciation for the arts across the island. This grassroots participation underscores the thriving communal spirit that fuels Guam’s dynamic and diverse arts sector.

Awardees included:

Heritage Arts – Robert Taitano Jr.
Literary Arts – Dr. Michael Bevacqua
Performing Arts – Joyce Torres
Visual Arts – Mark Murer
Champion for the Arts (Individual) – Thomas Bejado
Champion for the Arts (Group/Organization) – Breaking Wave Theatre Company
Champion for the Arts (Corporate) – GTA Teleguam
Posthumous Recognition – Jeremy Cepeda

Two of the evening’s highest honors were solely at the discretion and selected by the Governor of Guam to acknowledge lifetime contributions of enduring impact:

Lifetime Achievement Award – Patrick Palomo
Lifetime Cultural Contribution Award – Dr. Judy Selk Flores

“The return of the Maga’håga Arts Awards is more than a celebration — it’s a powerful affirmation of our island’s creative resilience, cultural identity, and the people who shape it," said Angie Taitague, CAHA director.

"Tonight, we honor the legacy, talent, and heart of our artistic community, and we look forward to building a future where the arts continue to thrive and inspire," she added.

CAHA said the event signifies a renewed commitment by CAHA and the Government of Guam to uplift, recognize, and invest in the island’s artists and cultural stewards, ensuring their legacies are honored and preserved for generations to come.

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