El Palacio, the official magazine of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, has received multiple honors at the 45th annual International Regional Media Association (IRMA) conference in Calgary, Canada. The publication was recognized with seven awards, including two Gold Awards and a finalist position for Magazine of the Year.
Daniel Zillmann, El Palacio Publisher and Director of Communications and Marketing for the Department of Cultural Affairs, stated: “For more than a century, El Palacio has been at the forefront of scholarly and creative storytelling, capturing New Mexico’s rich cultural landscape. This recognition gives substance to our commitment to celebrating and preserving the vibrant heritage of the Land of Enchantment.”
The awards included:
- Finalist for Magazine of the Year by IRMA
- Gold Award in Essay Category for Nikki Nojima Louis’s essay on Japanese American internment (Winter 2024)
- Gold Award in Single Photo Category for Cara Romero’s photograph Sand & Stone (Spring 2024)
- Silver Award in Art & Culture Feature for Lazarus Letcher’s exploration of The Whistle documentary (Spring 2024)
- Silver Award in Podcast category for Encounter Culture, El Palacio’s audio series
- Bronze Award in Historic Feature for Adele Oliveira’s article on Santa Fe acequias (Summer 2024)
- Merit recognition in Public Issues for DezBaa’s article on New Mexico’s state land exchange program with tribes (Fall 2024)
In addition to these accolades, Emily Withnall received a third-place award from the National Federation of Press Women earlier in September for her editing work on Jean Toomer’s Search for Identity in Taos (Spring 2024).
Editor-in-Chief Emily Withnall commented: “Our writers, photographers, and podcast producers help tell the stories that reflect New Mexico’s rich, multilayered cultures and history that resonate regionally and nationally. These awards are a testament to the creative voices shaping the magazine.”
El Palacio is now in its 112th year. The magazine continues to publish essays, features, photography, and produces its podcast Encounter Culture. Readers can access articles at elpalacio.org or listen to podcast episodes at podcast.nmculture.org as well as on major streaming platforms.
