Barcelona: culture as a driver of transformation and global projection

Barcelona's commitment to culture as a driver of transformation and international projection was reaffirmed on Monday 23 December during the annual meeting 'Barcelona on the Global Map', organised by Barcelona Global , a private, independent and non-profit association that promotes strategic proposals and projects to position the city as a hub of talent and global reference. The event, which was held at the Sant Pau Modernist Complex and brought together more than 300 members, highlighted the central role of culture in the development of the city and served to highlight initiatives in disciplines such as cinema, theatre, visual arts, museums, music and gastronomy.

The event was attended by members of the International Council , a network that brings together Barcelona residents who live and work abroad, as well as personalities such as Ramon Agenjo , president of Barcelona Global, and Jaume Collboni , mayor of Barcelona. Also participating were prominent figures from the cultural sector, such as Marcel Barrena , director of El 47; Ainhoa Grandes , president of the Macba Foundation; Isabel Vidal , president of the Association of Theatre Companies of Catalonia; Jordi Herreruela , director of the Cruïlla Festival, and Jordi Sellas , founder of Layers of Reality. They all reflected on the role of culture in the future of the city and highlighted that the Catalan capital is going through a period of unprecedented cultural growth, with projects that look to the future with ambition. The success of films such as El 47, the screening of international festivals, the creation of the Carmen Thyssen Museum in the old Comèdia cinema, the expansion of the MNAC and the MACBA , the possible conversion of the Tres Xemeneies in Sant Adrià de Besòs into an audiovisual hub and the future digital arts centre of La Foneria de La Rambla are examples that demonstrate the cultural and creative dynamism of Barcelona.

Trobada anual 'Barcelona on the Global Map', al Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau de Barcelona. © Barcelona Global

The participants agreed to underline that culture is a fundamental tool for strengthening Barcelona's personality and boosting its economy. According to the conclusions, Barcelona is experiencing a brilliant cultural moment, thanks to an ecosystem that combines tradition and modernity and thanks to initiatives that not only enhance the city's brand, but also attract tourism, investment and talent. Mayor Collboni, who closed the event, summed it up clearly: "Making culture our hallmark gives us value and identity". He also highlighted that the administrations have a fundamental role in facilitating and promoting the city's latent talent. In this context, Barcelona projects a renewed energy that, despite the challenges it faces, points towards a future full of opportunities.