Last Thursday , a presentation of the Apropa Cultura programme in the Balearics was given in the Aljub gallery of the Es Baluard Museum of Contemporary Art in Palma. Following a 15-year presence in Catalonia, this social responsibility programme, which was first put into operation at L’Auditori de Barcelona, has now been brought to the Balearic Islands, thanks to the concerted efforts of cultural programmers, institutions and patrons of the arts.

Today, 15 cultural programmers and over 30 centres and social organisations are already included in the programme, with 34 published cultural proposals and 10 firm bookings. Through Apropa Cultura, people in situations of vulnerability can enjoy unique experiences and the right to access culture . With the support in the Balearic Islands of “la Caixa” Foundation, the Consell de Mallorca’s Department for Culture, Heritage and Linguistic Policy, and the Balearic Government’s Ministry for Social Affairs and Sport, this initiative is being further consolidated, with the continued growth of a network of cultural programmers, centres and social bodies that are all increasingly convinced that access to the arts improves the lives of people in situations of vulnerability and, by extension, all of our lives.

The act, which was presented byMaria del Mar Matas, the Balearic head of Apropa Cultura, was attended by representatives of the social sector, cultural programmers and other bodies that support the initiative. Robert Brufau, the director of L’Auditori de Barcelona, expressed his satisfaction at the expansion of Apropa Cultura: “We are proud to see that Apropa Cultura is continuing to break down barriers so as to guarantee a universal right to culture and, in particular, the right of people in situations of vulnerability. For some time now, Apropa Cultura has spread beyond L’Auditori de Barcelona and its extension to the Balearic Islands again demonstrates what a unique, invaluable initiative this is.”

Gerardo de la Vega, from the UCR Serralta Community Rehabilitation Unit, highlighted the fact that the unit always takes into account culture’s capacity to enhance people’s lives and to improve their health in its work with users. For this reason, he believes that Apropa Cultura plays an important role in making culture accessible to all groups.

Carme Muñoz, speaking on behalf of Esment, Servei d’Ocupació amb Sentit, said that Apropa Cultura would facilitate access to tickets, stressing that “The network’s true value is to be able to build together, right from the outset”.

Mónica Campos, the Executive Director of the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya took part in the presentation in her capacity as a cultural programmer who has collaborated with Apropa in Catalonia from the early days. She explained that almost 16,000 people have been able to enjoy cultural experiences at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya and she conveyed her belief that “The most thrilling part is when a group sees–and through them, you see–that culture is helping them”.

From the very beginning, the “la Caixa” Foundation has provided strategic support to Apropa Cultura in Catalonia, and now, in the Balearics it is continuing to support the initiative. Ignasi Miró, the Director of the “la Caixa” Foundation’s Cultural Department, highlighted the role of culture in people’s wellbeing, adding that “There are many groups who are unable to benefit from cultural activities for different reasons, and Apropa draws attention to the fact that culture is a necessity for everyone”.

Bel Busquets, who heads the Consell de Mallorca’s Department for Culture, Heritage and Linguistic Policy added her grain of salt by stressing that her department “Was clear, right from the outset, that it had to join forces with Apropa Cultura, given its aim to make culture accessible to everyone. That’s why the Consell de Mallorca’s cultural facilities are now integrated in Apropa and they have already made specific cultural offerings available to Apropa’s users”.

Miquel Company, the Balearic Government’s Minister for European Funds and University and Cultural Affairs , emphasised the public authorities’ commitment because “Without equality, there can be no culture, and it is the public administrations’ duty to make the necessary mechanisms available to ensure everyone has access to culture”.

Fina Santiago, the Balearic Government’s Minister for Social Affairs and Sport, concluded the presentation by expressing her ministry’s commitment to the project and she pointed out that “Today, we are taking a very important step forward on the road to integration”.