FILARE, accesibilidad y creación contemporánea en el medio rural de Extremadura.
"Action of stretching into thread form, spinning, forming filaments. To twist. To link. To have a love affair."
Filare is about weaving threads. Turning and changing perspectives. Generating connections, experiences and learning. Imagining, revealing, broadening ourgaze and approaching diverse realities. Promotes universal accessibility andinclusion of people with disabilities, children, the elderly, and society, through contemporary creative interventions in rural areas in Extremadura.
Local
Spain
Alcuéscar (Cáceres), Extremadura.
Mainly rural
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
No
No
Yes
2022-07-23
As a representative of an organization, in partnership with other organisations
Name of the organisation(s): Dirección General de Accesibilidad y Centros. Junta de Extremadura. Type of organisation: Public authority (European/national/regional/local) First name of representative: María Ángel Last name of representative: López Amado Gender: Female Nationality: Spain Function: Directora General de Accesibilidad y Centros. Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Avenida de las Américas, 2. Dirección General de Accesibilidad y Centros. Junta de Extremadura. Town: Mérida Postal code: 06800 Country: Spain Direct Tel:+34 626 19 81 57 E-mail:dg.accesibilidadycentros@salud-juntaex.es Website:https://saludextremadura.ses.es/web/accesibilidad-universal
Filare is an accessibility project in rural Extremadura, developed annually in different towns, which aims to promote values of universal accessibility through contemporary art creations. It materialises in a unique, specific and situated collective experience, whose creations are shared with the neighbours, turning them as essential.
Filare’s 1st edition (2021) took place in Orellana la Vieja (Badajoz). In 2022, its 2nd edition was held in Alcuéscar (Cáceres) with the following chronology:
March 2022 Open call for localities in Extremadura (<5000 inhab.) to which Collado, Vivares and Alcuéscar applied. On the 27th of April, an expert jury selected the latter as the main host place.
May 2022: The team visited the town and found 6 areas as possible locations.
May 2022 Open call (at national level) to all types of ephemeral artworks which invite reflection on the creation of accessible, inclusive and integrating rural contexts. Result: 68 proposals, from which a jury of 6 prestigious experts selected 3 proposals (27th of June).
July 2022 Artworks were executed:
-El banquete(by María Alcaide) is a textile installation and a performance, with the starting point on cultural and historical heritage to reflect on the domestic and women’s role in rural areas.
-Oye, Mira...(by Natalia Blay and María Peña) uses visual and tactile intervention to investigate inclusive language in public space, narrating personal stories of the neighbours in Braille and sign language.
-Remensa(by Les Cutés) is an installation and performance that invites attendees to a collective table accesible (made from individual trays). Reflections and local products collected previously thanks to the generosity of neighbours and bussinesses in Alcuéscar were shared.
There was also an artistic-accessible workshop on historical heritage (by Helga de Alvear Museum in the Basilica of Stª Lucía del Trampal), a meeting day for professionals of linked fields, and accessible workshops for children
Universal accessibility
Inclusive spaces
Rurality
Contemporary creation
Decentralisation
The criteria of the expert jury for the selection of the works of contemporary creation contemplated, already in the conditions of the call, sustainability considerations, both material and social, in the proposals.
Thus, the execution of the works with sustainable and 'local' techniques and materials, which reactivate the business fabric of the town and reconnect with its cultural legacy without losing sight of the ecological footprint, recycling and circular economy, were highly valued.
The involvement of creators, citizens, local associations, the town council and the Filare team made it possible to carry out all the activities collaboratively with the human and technical resources available in the town.
Furthermore, the installation of Remensa (Les Cutes) with the recycling of individual trays and their reconversion into accessible tables together with the use of organic products from their garden and local suppliers (km 0 products), is a clear example.
The stay of the creators and organisers during the whole week took place in a hostel in the village, avoiding unnecessary journeys, taking into account the values of environmental and economic sustainability.
Also, with the involvement and collaboration of the Town Council, the developed performances invited the society of Alcuéscar to share their own traditional and universal accesibility values. This is the case of the performance on the heraldry of María Alcaide, in which family coats of arms were encouraged to be made from garden produce.
Another example is the installation Oye, Mira... which narrated personal stories of its inhabitants in Braille and sign language, uniting tradition, innovation and accessibility, as well as reclaiming public spaces for citizens .
All these actions also promote the social sustainability of the locality, by committing to economic growth without sacrificing social equity and environment.
The project is committed to an aesthetic experience and an emotional and cultural benefit for the participants. In Álcuéscar (2550 inhab. aprox.). Filare, as a cultural and artistic activity, stimulated reflection on global issues in order to bring them to their social structures. It has managed to bring the artistic experience to an unusual demographic area, thus favouring equal opportunities.
Local residents not only helped in the set-up, but also became the main character of the artistic works itself. The murals made (representing the hands of the participants) and the stories in Braille carved into the trunks of the square, which can also be heard through QR codes (from the installation Oye, Mira), are examples of it. Women were also protagonists, by creating their heraldry with vegetables from the garden (El Banquete), as well as participants in Remensa, who tasted the local gastronomy. The experience of the people from Care Centre for People with Disabilities (CAMF), who took part in the accessible art activity "Cultivar un Jardín" (by the team of Helga de Alvear Museum), was undoubtedly exciting.
In addition, the works were placed in areas with certain interest, previously studied by the organisers and creators, and managed to enhance and signify themselves through the values of universal accessibility, inclusion, collectivity, women’s empowerment and traditions.
The workshops for children also aimed to empathise with the difficulties of wheelchair users, blind people in accessing environments and buildings and people with intellectual disabilities finding their way around and, also, understanding texts and their environment. The children also stamped images with their hands on the trunks as part of 'Oye, Mira…' installation, thus becoming the authors of the installation as well, generating greater attachment and respect for the installation. They also learned about communication support products and sign language for deaf people.
Universal accessibility and democratic, egalitarian and inclusive strategies are the pillars on which Filare is built. It has also considered them in main subject of its interventions and in its management, rules, results and communications. The main objective is raising awareness of universal accessibility and equality values among all people.
So, regarding with management and rules of Filare, the call for the creators is open to everyone, with or without disabilities, nationwide. The jury to select the interventions to be carried out is equal, multidisciplinary and intergenerational, and also includes people with disabilities. Moreover, it aims to bring together all possible points of view and representatives of very different groups and associations.
In order to select the creations, the jury considers the evaluation criteria set out in the rules, which focus especially on the universal accessibility and human rights perspectives of the proposals. Throughout this process, the Technical Accessibility Offices of Extremadura are regular collaborators, revising texts to facilitate their reading and interpretating them in sign language. (proof of which in attached links).
With regard to the proposals and programme, in addition to the contemporary creative works, workshops were held to promote learning about physical, sensory and cognitive accessibility. There was also a public meeting between the society of Alcuéscar and professionals in the fields of art, architecture, education and inclusion and cultural management, where they presented their work and concerns. The Helga de Alvear Museum also organised an inclusive art workshop with people with and without disabilities in the Basilica of Stª Lucía del Trampal, (surroundings of Alcuéscar).
Finally, it should be noted that creators have developed their works in contact with the local reality, paying special attention to cognitive accessibility by conveying their message using easy-vocabulary.
Filare promotes cooperation, accessibility and social inclusion through open processes to citizen participation and the development of creativity. It seeks in all its actions to raise awareness about universal accessibility and the right of all people to have access to democratic and inclusive spaces. It also aims to promote cultural accessibility, inclusive culture, cultural mediation, universal design and accessible formats.
Filare believes in all these values as a benefit for all people individually and an important contribution to the construction of a better society.
The project also seeks to decentralise and bring the processes of accessibility and contemporary creation closer to rural environments, in order to foster imagination, creativity and emotional intelligence in areas that are difficult to access. In this way, Filare contributes to the inhabitants' perception of a healthy and beautiful community of which they can be a part.
In doing so, Filare’s actions reinforce the feeling of collective identity and of belonging to a unique village. It re-links citizens to their traditions without losing sight of the new forms of communication, including today's technologies. All this can be proof in several ways:
- the great reception of the activity by the citizens of Alcuéscar (we have more than 238 participants in our activities overall) with a particular impact among vulnerable groups in rural areas (women, over 65 and people with disabilities).
- the involvement of numerous associations, institutions and groups.
- the repercussions after its implementation, at the level of individual learning and governmental commitment (see background in 'activity closure report' of Alcuéscar Town Council) on the values of universal accessibility.
- the particular experience of the participating creators that motivated their involvement with the project and with the local inhabitants.
Filare works as a network made up of many agents from a wide diversity of fields, sensitive to creation, sustainability and accessibility. It’s structured according to the following multilevel network:
- Ideation and organisation (regional level):
Marina Fernández. Architect/creator who brings the experience of her previous projects in art and local reality (e.g. Supertrama, Tejiendo la Calle).
Directorate General for Accessibility and Centres (DGAyCE) of the 2nd Vice-Presidency and Regional Ministry of Health and Social Services (Extremadura Gov.), whose involvement in region provides the strong sensitivity to universal accessibility of the project.
Official Association of Architects of Extremadura, brings its experience as a cultural agent and its specific vision in built environment and territory.
- Local coordination: Alcuéscar Town Council, with its vision of the local particularities in Social Welfare, Accessibility, Equality and Integration.
- Other partners:
Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA) of Spanish Gov. (through Directorate-General for Urban Agenda and Architecture), thanks to which Filare participated in 1st NEB Fest in Brussels, being part of the exhibition "A vision of Spain".
Extremadura Office in Brussels, making possible its presentation in the Side Event (09 june).
Helga de Alvear Museum, with accessible artistic activities.
CERMI (Committee of Entities of Representatives of People with Disabilities of Extremadura), dissemination, jury and support work.
Accessibility Offices: OTAEX, OACEX, OAS, SILS (coordinated by DGAyCE), workshops and interpretation into sign language.
INTROMAC organisation of an Ecodesign workshop within the framework of the Extremadura Science and Technology Week.
Regional Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sports (Extremadura Gov.), supporting the production of the catalogue.
Cáceres and Badajoz Provincial Councils, supporting the activities.
Asier Rúa, photography. Mayo Pimentel, video.
Architecture professionals (as part of the jury, speakers, organisers and participants) who share their vision and experience in the creation of spaces and territories to the reflection in terms of accessibility and permanence sought by the project.
Creators (developers in the conception and execution of the installations and performances in the locality) who add their aesthetic, communicative and experiential vision to the values promulgated by the project.
Cultural managers (collaborators in the whole process of selection, dissemination, organisation and execution of parallel actions) whose experience gives a plus of professionalism and seriousness to a 'recent' project with great aspirations.
Managers & administrative staff who take part in organisational tasks, communication (internal and external) and relations between the different agents and with society.
Social workers who contribute their daily and realistic experiences to the reflections on inclusion and universal accessibility.
Assistants & carers are an essential basis for making the project truly accessible and egalitarian, guaranteeing access and enjoyment of all people to the proposed activities.
Social educators (accessibility offices, among others) who have revised and interpreted Filare's messages to make them reach everyone.
Artistic facilitators as supporters in workshops and activities.
Teachers who promote learning in values among their pupils through participation in workshops and activities.
Installers, assemblers & operators (local residents) whose material and human resources, have made possible the execution of the contemporary creations.
Communicators, graphic designers, audiovisual documentary makers and photographers have also worked in their specific areas in the development of the project.
The actions by Filare in Alcuéscar have improved its inhabitants' sense of belonging to their locality, as well as the perception of being part of a collaborative, generous, egalitarian society that leaves no one behind. It has achieved it through reflection in art, thereby responding to a social need in rural areas this way. All this would be demonstrated by the participation percents, as well as their experiences.
The activities in public and inclusive spaces were attended by 9.32% inhab.(including set-up, workshops, exhibitions, talks, encounters, etc). On the other hand, the workshop carried out by the Helga de Alvear museum "Gardeners of stars", in the Basilica of Stª Lucía del Trampal, managed to bring together a total of 38 participants.
The connection between creators and citizens, children, women and the rest of the attendees, especially users of the CAMF residence, has favoured human, close and affectionate link, improving social adaption and functioning, and in their learning process. Furthermore, this values reflection has allowed the City Council to promote its Universal Accessibility Plan, with the consensus of the Alcuescar’s society, (which is highly sensitive to life itineraries and equal opportunities). This is shown by the number of people who got involved in the days of social participation and active listening, reaching 24.84% of citizens.
Filare has also contributed to the promotion of Alcuéscar, as shown by the repercussion of the project in local and national media, generating more than 20 news items (see press clipping). Paralel, on an international level, Filare was selected to organise a Side Event within the 1st NEB Festival, a mixed and face-to-face event, held in Cáceres. It was also part of the exhibition "A vision from Spain" held in Brussels. In addition, the video documentary showing the experience carried out in Alcuescár was selected as a finalist in the International Medical and Health Film Contest (VIDEOMED).
In addition to the first edition, developed in 2021 in Orellana la Vieja, Badajoz, the Filare team has extensive experience in the development of collaborative art projects and interventions in public spaces of rural areas of Extremadura, such as Tejiendo la calle or Supertrama, Public Art Programme in Extremadura: https://supertrama.org/
As well as socially committed art and several interventions in rural areas through ephemeral installations, Filare includes an additional layer for action and reflection: accessibility and inclusion through contemporary creation, working closely with disabled people.
Filare also extends the scope of the village including the surrounding landscape and attending to the values of sustainability, material and social, throughout the whole development of its programme.
All in all, Filare wants to achieve the use of art to attract activity to rural environments and to put the focus (of both inhabitants and creators) on universal accessibility, sustainability and inclusión. That’s because this projcect considers these three universal concepts as fundamental axioms in the creation of a healthier society that enables the recovery of a sense of belonging for all people.
Beyond certain specific actions developed by cultural or social associations (workshops, conferences, etc.), there are no projects of this nature, for the moment, neither in our region nor in the national panorama.
We therefore consider that the innovative character that defines the project lies precisely in the involvement and the sum of many agents, demonstrating that it’s possible to make real the utopia: we have to work all together locally to improve global.
Filare, as a project for universal accessibility, innovation and contemporary creation in the rural environment, is made up of a main activity and two complementary activities that are interrelated: coexistence and professional forum.
To this end, we carry out public calls for proposals at regional level, open to rural localities in Extremadura with less than 5000 inhabitants, in order to select Filare's headquarters by means of an expert jury. The headquarters hosts Filare's main activity, which consists of three contemporary creation projects, as well as a Coexistence activity (Convivencia) to share the professional works of different specialists.
After the selection of the locality, a second national call for professional creators in the fields of art, architecture and design is opened. The selection of the accessibility and contemporary creation projects takes place through an intergenerational and equal jury made up of specialists in the fields of accessibility and creation.
Once the contemporary creation projects have been selected, the Filare team travels, together with the creators, to the host town to carry out the interventions and activities.
The project is framed within the lines of The New European Bauhaus because it aims to be a creative, comprehensive and interdisciplinary. Filare opens up a participatory meeting space to design future ways of living. This project is situated at the crossroads between art, culture, social inclusion, science and technology.
Furthermore, it is carried out within the framework of Inclusive Constellation, generating collaborative networks (horizontal and vertical) between different and varied agents so that they can participate by joining efforts, capacities, skills, abilities, practices and experiences. It also aims to achieve an exchange of knowledge, opinions and ideas to achieve a multilevel involvement of stakeholders.
Filare can be easily replicated in other localities of Extremadura (with less than 5000 inhab.), since the methodology, techniques and processes included in its guidelines reflect this fact. As a proof, two editions have already developed so far (Orellana 2021 and Alcuéscar 2022) with great reception and participation.
However, it’s important to point out that, in each edition, the contemporary creations, the complementary actions and their results are unique and unrepeatable. They are adjusted to the specific locality, its particularities and idiosyncrasies, as we work in coordination with town councils and inhabitants.
This is fundamental to ensure the smooth running of the project and it’s also the key to instilling a 'pride of belonging' among the participants by embracing the values upheld in their locality.
On a broader level, the project could be replicable in the European territory, with social and demographic features similar to Extremadura rural area. This would enable the composition of a multidisciplinary team of professionals and a multilevel network, in coordination with an administrative entity.
This european project must be based on a similar philosophy, principles and experiences. It should also develop creative projects in small towns (<5000 inhab.), based on the same principles with which Filare has achieved results of social roots: universal accessibility and equality among all people.
With the aim of learning and sharing with other stakeholders and contexts, we strive to document the activities carried out in the locality. We developed and shared a free digital and print catalogue with photos and texts of the creators, collaborators and organisers, a documentary video (with subtitles and sign language interpretation), which has also managed to be a finalist in the VIDEOMED 2022 Contest in the category of "Dependence and disability".
All these documents indicated are attached at the end of the application process.
Although locally, Filare responds to a broader issue aligned with the SDG’s proposed by the UN.
SDG3-Good Health & Well-being: accessibility is an indicator of quality of life in society. That’s why Filare disseminates these principles as a clear example, encouraging people to reflect on them in order to improve their locality.
SDG5-Gender equality: It encourages the involvement of women in the activities (with a majority 66%, compared to 34% men), granting them an essential role in the understanding of their culture and heritage. E.g., El Banquete, a large group of locals sharing their experiences
SDG8-Decent work & economic growth: It promotes accessibility also as a vector for economic revival, due to the potential of the built environment and the health system.
SDG10-Reducing inequalities: Filare promotes Universal Accessibility as a lever for change towards social inclusion and as the right of all people to enjoy their environment and quality services. It is committed to art as a medium, offering equal opportunities in rural as in the city, thus also guaranteeing Health as a universal right
SDG11-Sustainable Cities & Communities: Rural areas and universal accessibility, Filare's axis, are defended in order to create sustainable environments and societies. It raises awareness on the eradication of inequality through the understanding of inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable spaces, with activities and workshops aimed at society as a whole.
SDG12- Responsible production & consumption: Filare promotes the use of local products and local resources (e.g. creations in Alcuéscar) to raise awareness of responsible consumption, sustainability and the potential of each territory.
SDG17-Partnerships to achieve the goals: The transversality is the implementation tool of the public policies for Universal Accessibility in Extremadura, thus bringing together various agents in the defence of the chain of rights: access to health, culture, education, equal work
