On 5 November, Mèdol will celebrate its fifth anniversary at Casa Canals, its main venue, with a festival that will showcase art, gastronomy, and music. The event will feature a performance by cabosanroque, who were awarded the National Culture Prize this year, alongside a culinary intervention by Iolanda Bustos, known as the 'Cuinera de les flors', who has designed a unique gastronomic experience for the occasion. DJ Wilko, a local artist from Tarragona, will provide musical entertainment.
A unique approach to contemporary art
Mèdol, the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Tarragona, has spent five years bringing artistic creation to a variety of spaces, integrating exhibitions, interventions, and activities into the everyday life of the city. 'This approach has expanded the locations in Tarragona where contemporary arts can be found and the opportunities for engagement,' said Vicent Fibla, the director of Mèdol.
Over the years, Mèdol has presented projects in nearly 40 different venues, combining the exploration of unconventional spaces for artistic creation with activities in cultural facilities. These have included the Bank of Spain, the Forum Market, the Tabacalera, Moll de Costa, Fortín de Sant Jordi, the local police station, and Teatro El Magatzem. These heritage sites, public facilities, and disused buildings have hosted artistic proposals, inviting the public to view and navigate the city from new perspectives.
Art as a tool for reflection
'Art is a powerful tool for reflection. In its first five years, Mèdol has demonstrated art's role in addressing significant issues such as the environment, gender identity, animal welfare, and armed conflicts,' stated Sandra Ramos, the Councillor for Culture at the Tarragona City Council.
This initiative has resulted in over 225 proposals, engaging nearly 120,000 participants. Notable activities include 72 exhibitions of various formats—16 collective and 56 individual—and 145 events encompassing performances, interventions, shows, and educational initiatives. Additionally, Mèdol has launched several calls and awards to support contemporary creation.
Since its inception, around 400 artists, curators, speakers, and professionals from diverse disciplines have collaborated with Mèdol, enriching the project with a variety of perspectives and practices. This activity has also extended beyond the city, with initiatives in Reus, Vinyols i els Arcs, La Pobla de Montornès, La Nou de Gaià, Alcover, and Montbrió del Camp.
