Arrival at the Ateneo: a cultural challenge
The spring 2017 was the time I crossed the doors of the Ateneu Barcelonès, fascinated by the debate that revolved around the election for the Board of Directors. Until that time, he had attended the institution’s talks, seeking a stimulus that seemed to escape the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters of the UAB. Only when I became a member, did I perceive the greatness of an institution that has been a cultural pillar in Catalonia for decades.
The need for change: a collective awakening
At that time, the Order and Adventure project, led by Bernat Dedéu, asked a disturbing question: How was it possible that a place that had welcomed illustrious figures in Catalan literature, such as Sagarra and Rodoreda, seemed so out of displeasure with the concerns of young people today? The institution, which had been a lighthouse of ideas, seemed to have lost its essence.
A transformative choice: a new leadership
October 2017 marked a turning point. I was elected to run the Philosophy Section for three years. During this period, I managed to organize 55 conferences, increasing the number of attendees from 400 to 3,000. I brought international experts, innovated in the formats of events and created the section social networks, attracting a younger audience than ever before.
The challenge of pandemic: to adapt or die
The pandemic was a hard blow for the Ateneo, which lost more than a thousand members and faced a severe economic crisis. The lack of face -to -face affected the socialization that characterized the institution. However, a united candidacy, led by Isona Passola, took a step forward to revitalize the Ateneo, and they invited me to participate in this project.
Rejuvenate the Ateneo: a new age
With the addition of three young people to the Board of Directors, we started a path to the renewal. Our priority was to revitalize the economy and make the Ateneo attractive to young people. Thus, we launched a successful campaign to attract members around Sant Jordi, which resulted in 240 new members, more than half of whom were under 25.
The importance of youth participation
With the aim of guaranteeing an active participation of young people, we brought to life new sections and social gatherings, with the creation of continental cafe in the beginning of 2023. This initiative has allowed more than 2,000 young people to participate in discussions on topics such as language, education and culture.
A promising future: generational relief
The generational relief has consolidated, with young people like Andrea Pereira and Pol Vouillamoz, leading sections of theater, visual arts, and other fields. Thanks to this new energy, innovative and educational activities have been carried out, such as the cloud festival and cycles of dialogues on philosophy, politics and economics.
The challenge of the future: transforming or stagnating
With more than 400 young members, the question is now: How can we assure that this change is sustainable? Should we continue to work to make the Ateneo a true intergenerational cultural center or risk returning to an obsolete model? The next election is not only a matter of promises, but of tangible realities.
A commitment to the future
On March 20, the members of the Ateneo face a crucial decision. Our commitment is clear: we want a dynamic, creative and accessible Athenaeum, and that is why we will vote the Ateneu Batega, with the aim of continuing this necessary transformation.
