Michael Newton wins Cola Debrot Prize
04-30-2024 – 3 minutes reading time
WILLEMSTAD – The 2024 Cola Debrot Prize has been awarded to Michael Newton for his significant contributions to the restoration architecture of Curaçao. The award, presented annually since 1968, recognizes individuals or organizations that have achieved outstanding work within various cultural categories. This year the choice fell on the ‘visual arts’ category.
Newton’s nomination is made by the Cultural Council of Curaçao, an independent committee that annually proposes a candidate to the government. The Council of Ministers has ratified this nomination and congratulates Mr Newton on this recognition.
The jury for the Cola Debrot Prize 2024 is chaired by Verele Engels and also consists of Marcel Dennert, Ronny Lobo, Zarja Rojer and Anko van der Woude. They unanimously decided to nominate the prize in the architecture category to Michael Newton. This decision is based on Newton’s outstanding achievements in restoration architecture and his contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Arguments
This year the emphasis was on qualitative repurposing in the context of global attention to circular construction. Newton has committed himself, both solicited and unsolicited, to sustainable restorations and the integration of new construction into existing heritage.
He is recognized as an authority in restoration architecture and has contributed significantly to the transfer of knowledge in his field through his publications and research.
According to De Hury, his work has contributed significantly to social awareness and the transfer of knowledge to future generations.
Newton is currently managing director at Newton Heritage Consulting and has held several academic and advisory roles focused on the protection of architecture and heritage. He has shared his knowledge and expertise both locally and internationally through conferences and published articles.
The Cola Debrot Prize consists of a gold pin with the image of the laraha flower, a certificate and a cash prize. These will be presented to Michael Newton during a special ceremony at Fort Waakbaarheid on Saturday.
Previous winners
Last year Ellen Spijkstra won the Cola debot prize. in 2022 that was epidemiologist Izzy Gerstenbluth. These two join Michel Newton in an illustrious list of prize winners, such as Tip Marugg, Doble RR, Boeli van Leeuwen, Felix de Rooy, Elis Juliana, Randal Corsen, Herman van Bergen, Pernell Saturnino, and Nydia Ecury.
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