The renowned production company Focus has announced plans to construct a major new cultural hub in Barcelona’s technology district. This significant expansion represents a major investment in the city’s arts scene. The new Focus theatre in Barcelona will be part of a wider educational and artistic complex known as the ‘Gènesis’ project. Consequently, it is scheduled to open its doors in September 2028.
Executives revealed the details during the company’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. They confirmed an investment of €11 million to transform their current headquarters in the 22@ district. Therefore, the development will create a dedicated 500-seat performance venue. In addition, it will include a large-scale higher education centre for the performing arts.
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Expanding the Focus Theatre in Barcelona
The Gènesis project involves a comprehensive rehabilitation of the company’s existing building on Carrer d’Àvila. According to the plans, the total usable surface area will double from 3,000 to 6,000 square metres. Construction works are expected to begin this spring. Meanwhile, they will continue for approximately 20 months.
Cesar Martínez, the Director of Art and Content at Focus, explained the new facility’s purpose. It is designed to host “contemporary creations and risky proposals”. The venue will be equipped with state-of-the-art technical infrastructure. Therefore, it can stage a wide variety of formats. These range from student productions to professional external programming.
A New European Hub for Arts Education
Beyond the performance space, a core component is the creation of a higher school for performing arts and crafts. The institution aims to accommodate more than 600 students. Furthermore, it will focus on three primary disciplines: artistic performance, technical production, and cultural management.
Martínez stated the ambition is to establish “the best higher school of performing arts and crafts in the entire State”. Additionally, the goal is to build a unique theatre in Europe. This educational focus was praised by Sònia Hernández, the Catalan Minister of Culture. She attended the launch event and described the link between education and culture as “inseparable”. Moreover, she highlighted its vital importance for the sector’s future.
Architectural and Institutional Backing for the Focus Theatre in Barcelona
The architectural design is being led by the studio Pich-arquitects (Pich+Aguilera). It is based on a preliminary concept by Marc Espinola and Eduardo Castillo. A model of the future facility was unveiled to attendees. It symbolised what Focus President Daniel Martínez de Obregón described as a new stage of “growth and consolidation” for the group.
Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni was present to support the initiative. He highlighted the importance of new cultural infrastructure for the city. This project is one of several major developments. For example, a recent infrastructure investment in Barcelona focused on improving mobility. While Catalan President Salvador Illa could not attend due to a hospital admission, the event organisers conveyed their best wishes for his recovery.
Isabel Vidal, the group’s General Director, concluded the Gènesis project would serve as a “springboard to look towards the future”. Therefore, it ensures that Focus remains a central protagonist in Catalan culture for decades to come. For more information on major cultural investments, you can read about European theatre investment trends.
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