A village in Spain has been transformed into an open-air museum

Genalguacil's story serves as a shining example of how a small community can come together to promote creativity, cooperation, and coexistence through the power of art.

By Creatives Unite Newsroom
January 09, 2023

Genalguacil, a picturesque village located in the heart of the Genal Valley in Andalusia, Spain, is known for its unique approach to promoting art and culture. Since 1994, it has been the setting for a creative experience where art, life and nature come together in participatory space for cooperation and coexistence. It is called Art Encounters Genal Valley.

This initiative of the Genalguacil Municipality was born out of a desire to breathe life into the village, which, like many rural areas, was facing depopulation and economic challenges.

Over the years, nearly a hundred artists have participated in the program, leaving their artistic mark on the town. Their works have been integrated into the very fabric of Genalguacil, transforming it into an open-air museum. Strolling through the streets and squares, visitors can encounter sculptures, murals, and installations that reflect the spirit of the Genal Valley.

The pieces placed permanently in squares and streets in the town are becoming a real open-air museum. The municipality has been pivotal in providing support for this initiative, not only by offering the necessary infrastructure and resources but also by fostering a sense of community and cooperation. Local residents have embraced the project, actively participating and contributing to the success of Art Encounters Genal Valley.

Find more about the project here