On July 26th, in the Hall of the Palacio de Cibeles, the document “Towards the Strategic Culture of the City of Madrid from 2012 to 2015 (PECAM). Advance Document for Debate” was presented.
The first to take the floor was the delegate of the Arts of the Region of the City of Madrid, Mr. Fernando Villalonga, who expressed the need for there to be, especially in times of crisis, reflection on new needs to reflect on the changes we are experiencing in the cultural field.
Professionals, private companies and government must act to serve the general interests.
He said that until recently a huge investment has been made in effort in infrastructure and cultural activities that today is not sustainable. On the other hand, said that societal changes and the form of participation of developers and the public, as in the case of digitization, mediation, etc.
The delegate also emphasized the fact that culture is made and lived, not like legislation, which is increased or cut by decree.
The situation of culture in recent years, he claimed, was no panacea, which raised the need to begin this period of consultation and debate by promoting a more transparent model,parting from past mistakes such as cronyism in awarding grants in reactionary state that is the culture in our country.
He insisted that the plan would show us our shortcomings and other issues should be analyzed, such as the impact of the VAT hike in culture.
He also denied that the City would stop producing cultural activity. “We want to do more with less, and I’m sure we can do this,” he said. “We will be doing more and talking less.”
He also called for promoting other forms of culture linked to neighborhoods and districts, a cultural base connected with citizens.
He added that the aim is a change of model, bottom-up culture that brings more people doing more with fewer resources.
Then spoke Mrs. Carlota Alvarez, Director General of Planning and Evaluation on the Madrid City Council, who gave a presentation on the, PECAM, stressing the importance of citizen participation and urging sending suggestions and views on the document by mailing or via internet.
The deadline for participation is October 10th and the plan will be finally approved in December 2012.
A discussion followed with the participation of Mr. Joan Picanyol, coordinator of the Fringe festival in Madrid, Ms. Marta Palacios Arnaut, management and organization of the Self-management Social Centre La Tabacalera Lavapies and Mr. Rafael Ramon, creative entrepreneur and founder of Utopic_US.
The colloquium was opened by questions involving all participants in the act.
On the part of the FPSC, the event was atended by its President Ms Pilar Lara and Communications Director Mr. José Luis Zatarain.
(Picture source: Ayuntamiento de Madrid).