Dulce Xerach, a native of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has passed away in Madrid at the age of 55. Her death is a true loss for the entire archipelago, as she was far more than just a civil servant or the author of detective novels. She was a real driving force for transformation, a person whose immense energy and unique vision shaped the modern art scene of her home island for decades to come. Her biography is a kaleidoscope of diverse roles: from senior official in the autonomous government to doctor of architecture and creator of literary characters well-known far beyond the country’s borders.
Xerach began her public service career in 1995, and almost immediately shifted her focus to supporting and promoting creative initiatives. As chief director of the cabinet for Canarian president Adán Martín, and later as deputy counselor, she distinguished herself as an effective manager with an unconventional approach. Her work in these posts and as a parliamentary representative for the island left a significant mark on the region’s legislative framework, especially in the area of support for creative initiatives. Her connections with the Martín family were not only professional: her husband was Fernando Martín Menis, a renowned architect and brother of the president.
However, it was in the field of culture that her talent shone brightest. One of her key achievements is considered to be the revival of interest in the legacy of surrealist artist Óscar Domínguez. Xerach was the driving force behind the creation of a Contemporary Art Center dedicated to his work. This initiative later evolved to become an integral part of the renowned Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA) – one of the most recognizable and significant cultural centers in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In addition, she was the creative visionary and founder of the unique El Tanque space – an old industrial oil tank transformed into an avant-garde venue for exhibitions and performances. Her management skills were also put to use as president of Círculo de Bellas Artes de Tenerife.
After leaving public service, Dulce Xerach continued her social engagement, focusing on academic and literary work. With an impressive educational background—including a law degree from the University of La Laguna, a master’s in business management, and a diploma in cultural management—she did not stop there. Later, she earned a doctorate in architecture from the Universidad Europea de Madrid and taught at its Canary Islands branch. The literary world came to know her as the author of a series of detective novels featuring Inspector María Anchieta. Her books, including “Ogro en São Paulo” (2014), “Murder on the London Beach” (2015), and “Kidnapping in Hong Kong” (2019), showcased her storytelling talent and ability to craft gripping plots that resonated with readers.
