El Palacio, the magazine of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, has been recognized at the 45th annual International Regional Media Association (IRMA) conference in Calgary, Canada. The publication received seven awards, including two Gold Awards and was named a finalist for Magazine of the Year. This follows earlier accolades from New Mexico Press Women and the National Federation of Press Women.
"For more than a century, El Palacio has been at the forefront of scholarly and creative storytelling, capturing New Mexico’s rich cultural landscape," said Daniel Zillmann, El Palacio Publisher and Director of Communications and Marketing for the Department of Cultural Affairs. "This recognition gives substance to our commitment to celebrating and preserving the vibrant heritage of the Land of Enchantment."
The awards included a Gold in the Essay Category for Nikki Nojima Louis's essay on Japanese American internment and another Gold in Single Photo Category for Cara Romero's photograph Sand & Stone. Other recognitions were Silver in Art & Culture Feature for Lazarus Letcher's exploration of The Whistle documentary, Silver for their podcast Encounter Culture, Bronze in Historic Feature for Adele Oliveira’s article on Santa Fe acequias, and Merit in Public Issues for DezBaa’s article on state land exchange programs with tribes.
Earlier this year, Emily Withnall received a third-place award from the National Federation of Press Women for editing Jean Toomer’s Search for Identity in Taos. Editor-in-Chief Emily Withnall said that these honors affirm El Palacio’s mission: "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."
Now in its 112th year, El Palacio continues to highlight New Mexico's culture through essays, features, photography, and its podcast Encounter Culture. Readers can explore these works at elpalacio.org or listen to podcasts on platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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