New Cultural Hub: The Polivalente Cultural Center in Antigua
In just two weeks, El Cabildo de Fuerteventura will complete the first phase of the construction of the Polivalente Cultural Center in Antigua. This exciting new facility features an auditorium and is strategically located in the urban center of the town, covering a substantial area of 1,901 square meters. It is bordered by Alcalde Montesdeoca Street, San Francisco Street, and the Centro de Mayores de Antigua, making it easily accessible to residents and visitors alike.
Vision and Leadership
The progress of this cultural center was shared during a recent visit led by Marcial Morales, the President of the Insular Corporation. He was joined by key figures, including Juan José Cazorla, the Mayor of Antigua, Edilia Pérez, the Insular Counsellor of Public Works, and Juan Jiménez, the Insular Counsellor of Culture. Morales emphasized the importance of the new auditorium, stating, “With its opening, Fuerteventura continues to grow in scenic spaces and cultural activities. It is a building that will be available for people and groups, further fostering a vibrant cultural scene.”
The collaborative efforts of local administrations play a crucial role in this development. Morales acknowledged the ongoing partnership with the Ayuntamiento de Antigua, which has made this project possible. He remarked on the significance of creating an island that can compete with others in terms of cultural offerings.
Comprehensive Design
The Polivalente Cultural Center is designed with five functional areas: the auditorium, a conference and workshop room, an exhibition space, administration offices, and a storage area. The architectural layout considers the local environment, particularly the facade facing the historic center and the nearby BIC (Asset of Cultural Interest) of the Church of Nuestra Señora de Antigua.
As Juan José Cazorla noted, this initiative has been long-awaited. He expressed gratitude for the commitment of the President towards culture and sports in Antigua. Cazorla emphasized that this project would significantly enhance community engagement in the town’s rich cultural and athletic activities.
Multifunctional Spaces
The auditorium itself is well-equipped, featuring a lobby, a main seating area, a stage, dressing rooms, and storage facilities for theatre props. In addition, it includes office spaces for organizing events and connects to broader network and communication facilities, creating a multifaceted environment for cultural events.
The center also addresses a vital need in the municipality with dedicated rooms for conferences and workshops, providing essential training opportunities for residents. The exhibition space, designed in a white cube format, will serve as a venue for cultural expressions and artistic showcases, further enriching the local cultural landscape.
Financial Investment and Community Impact
As Edilia Pérez pointed out, the project has seen an impressive investment of four million euros from the Cabildo. The auditorium will include 380 seats, making it an inviting space for various performances and community gatherings. This investment underscores the commitment to boosting cultural infrastructure on the island, ensuring that Fuerteventura can offer high-quality venues for a range of artistic initiatives.
With existing auditoriums in Corralejo, Puerto del Rosario, and Gran Tarajal, the addition of the center in Antigua reinforces Fuerteventura’s cultural infrastructure. Juan Jiménez highlighted how the future establishment of a similar center in Morro Jable will further enhance this cultural network, positioning Fuerteventura as a key player in the region’s cultural development.
The Polivalente Cultural Center in Antigua is set to become a cornerstone for community engagement, artistic expression, and cultural education, transforming the local landscape and enriching the lives of its residents.
