Yuray Tolentino Hevia, born in Güira de Melena, Cuba, in 1975, stands as a remarkable figure in contemporary literature and the arts. Her diverse talents encompass poetry, screenwriting, curation, art criticism, and production, reflecting a multifaceted approach to creative expression. Over the years, her work has graced the pages of numerous magazines, newspapers, and anthologies, reaching audiences in Cuba and over 20 other countries, thus establishing her as a significant voice in the international literary landscape.
As a curator, Hevia has made her mark by organizing more than 40 solo and group exhibitions, showcasing the works of various artists and fostering cultural dialogue. Notably, she has participated as a curator in the prestigious Havana International Biennial on three occasions—2009, 2015, and 2019—where she contributed to the exploration of contemporary art on a global stage.
Hevia’s artistic contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous awards she has received. In 2024, she was honored with the World Excellence Platinum Eagle Award in Yucatán, Mexico, under the presidency of Dr. Fco. Xavier Ramírez and Jeanette Eureka Tiburcio. Additionally, she won the Annual Peace Prize named after Dr. Juan Carlos Martínez Chuecas in both 2022 and 2024, further underscoring her commitment to promoting peace through her work.
Her accolades extend to the World “Golden Eagle” Award for Artistic Excellence, which she received in both 2023 and 2024 from the Hispanic World Writers’ Union in collaboration with Thousand Minds for Mexico International and the World Academy of Literature, History, Art, and Culture. In recognition of her significant contributions, Hevia was also honored with the Fenix Fraternity Awards as Ambassador for the Planet and awarded an Honoris Causa by the Hispanic World Doctoral Faculty of Global Leaders in Mexico in 2024. That same year, she joined the Academic Board of Turkey’s foreign section, reflecting her growing influence in international artistic circles.
Hevia’s literary achievements are equally impressive. In 2023, she won First Place in the International Prize “Las Plumas del Quetzal,” awarded by Thousand Minds for Mexico International, and was designated a Master Poet by the Alliance on World Poetry Day. Her recognition extends to being selected as one of the 43 semifinalists for the 49th ACO Karamanov Poetry Award in Macedonia in 2022, as well as receiving the International Peace and Human Rights Defense Award from the World Union of Poets for Peace and Freedom in Italy that same year.
Her literary accolades also include the III and IV César Vallejo World Awards for Artistic Excellence, awarded in Peru and Mexico in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Additionally, Hevia was recognized with a Diploma of Merit in the 2nd Online Poetry Slam by Kuktura Project in Italy in 2022, along with several prestigious awards from various international competitions, including the International Award “Tulliola – Renato Filippelli” for the best book in Spanish in 2020.
Hevia has published five notable poetry books, including Puertas, Boleros y Cenizas (2019) and Yo también soy ellas (2019), both with Primigenios Publishing in Miami. Her more recent works include 90 Millas: Diario de un inmigrante (2023) with Stockholm Project 2033 Global Leader and translated selections of Puertas, Boleros y Cenizas in collaboration with Edizioni iL CUSCINOdiSTELLE and Editorial Dos Islas. Additionally, she ventured into the realm of visual arts with her book Entre el casco y la mala idea (2021), which chronicles her insights into the art world.
Through her poetry, curation, and critical engagement with the arts, Yuray Tolentino Hevia embodies a spirit of creativity and cultural exchange. Her work not only enriches the literary landscape but also serves as a beacon of artistic excellence, bridging the gap between different cultures and promoting a deeper understanding of the human experience. As she continues to make her mark on the global stage, Hevia remains a vital voice in the conversation surrounding contemporary art and literature.