The Círculo de Bellas Artes (CBA) is a prominent Madrid cultural institution. It collaborates with Barcelona City Council. Now, it faces a drastic funding reduction from the Community of Madrid government. Its annual contribution plummeted from €250,000 in 2024 to just €12,000 this year. This coincides with the institution’s centenary celebrations in 2026.
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Valerio Rocco, director of the CBA since 2019, described the regional government’s cultural management as “disastrous.” He stated, “If one looks at the major projects, from the Teatros del Canal to the Community of Madrid ballet, there is a fairly large consensus in the sector that this cultural management is being disastrous.” This significant cut, while symbolic given public funds constitute only 7% of the CBA’s budget, generates considerable uncertainty for long-term planning.
The funding reduction comes as the CBA prepares to mark its 100th anniversary in 2026. The institution, a private, non-profit entity, prides itself on being a “reference for freedom and independence” in the Spanish capital. It has actively sought to engage the public through initiatives such as a climate refuge, which provided a free green space for 60,000 people last summer, and the City and Science Biennial, organised in partnership with Barcelona City Council.
Madrid’s Cultural Policy Under Scrutiny
Mr Rocco believes the funding cuts are part of a broader “cultural battle” waged by the government of Isabel Díaz Ayuso. He suggested the move aligns with an attempt to appeal to public opinion that denies climate change, referencing the popular climate refuge initiative. However, he also noted a lack of clear ideological direction, observing “misgovernance and disorganisation” rather than a perfectly orchestrated campaign.
Mariano de Paco, the Community of Madrid’s Culture Councillor, has publicly criticised the CBA’s programming. The institution hosts approximately 500 internal and 500 external events annually. Some of these address current political affairs, including discussions on the “unacceptable massacre in Gaza” and the United States’ geopolitical role. Mr Rocco emphasised the CBA’s commitment to “plurality and the diversity of voices.”
Impact on Cultural Institutions
The director highlighted a shift in funding strategy by the Community of Madrid. The regional government now prefers to finance specific projects rather than contributing to the institution’s overall operations. The €12,000 allocation for this year, for instance, is designated solely for a continuous reading of Don Quixote. This project-based approach also affects other major cultural institutions, including the Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofía museums, and the Ateneo de Madrid.
This change to project-specific funding creates significant instability for cultural organisations. Mr Rocco explained that it “generates uncertainty and much dependence on the specific opinions of the people who, at any given moment, occupy decision-making spaces.” He added that this creates “less transparent and less effective frameworks for institutions that tend to program long-term.”
Barcelona’s Cultural Strategy Praised
Despite the challenges in Madrid, the CBA actively fosters dialogue beyond the capital. Mr Rocco specifically praised Barcelona and Catalonia as key partners in this endeavour. He stated, “Our fundamental commitment to connection has been Barcelona and Catalonia. We strongly believe in this political and cultural bridge.”
He expressed admiration for Barcelona’s approach to cultural coordination. Mr Rocco noted, “From Barcelona, I greatly envy the political impulse given to coordinate strategy among cultural institutions and the effort to connect the world of culture and the university.” He believes Madrid lacks this administrative willingness to align its vast cultural wealth.
The CBA previously held a successful debate on the Catalan independence process, known as the “Procés.” This event aimed to listen to demands and concerns, fostering bridge-building through humility. This demonstrates the institution’s commitment to engaging with complex political issues and promoting reasoned discussion.
Future Outlook for Cultural Funding
The CBA maintains strong relationships with Madrid City Council, led by Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, and other prominent national Popular Party figures. Mr Rocco views the current difficulties as “linked to people” rather than a structural issue, which makes him optimistic for future relations. The Ministry of Culture, a national body, has responded by increasing its contribution to the CBA by €50,000 for 2026.
As the Círculo de Bellas Artes navigates its centenary year, its continued collaboration with entities like Barcelona City Council highlights a contrasting approach to cultural management within Spain. The institution remains committed to its mission of fostering open dialogue and diverse programming, despite the ongoing financial pressures from the regional government.
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Originally published by Ara Cat. Read original article.
