- More than 500 people participate in the first evaluation promoted by the Cultural Activation Office to learn about the priorities, expectations and cultural challenges of citizens
The bid for Cáceres to become European Capital of Culture 2031 has announced the results of the first citizen evaluation on culture and capital status, an initiative that has gathered the opinions of 502 people and will serve to guide the development of the project during the second phase.
The consultation, coordinated by the Cultural Activation Office (OAC), was born from a simple but fundamental idea for the candidacy: listening to citizens to build a project that responds to their needs, concerns and aspirations. Citizen participation constitutes one of the pillars of Cáceres 2031 and this first evaluation represents an important step to continue advancing in an open, shared candidacy built from the territory.
The results reflect a citizenry committed to culture and with a very positive perception of the bid. More than 80% of the people surveyed consider that Cáceres 2031 will have a very positive impact on the cultural life of the region and six out of ten give it the highest score when asked about its ability to transform the cultural reality of Extremadura.
The study also reveals some of the main demands of citizens. Live music appears as the most repeated need, accompanied by the interest in expanding the offer of concerts and festivals and by the desire to have programming closer to the neighborhoods and everyday spaces of coexistence.
Among all the responses, three issues that appear recurrently stand out in particular and that outline a good part of the expectations placed on the candidacy. The first has to do with youth. The participants demand more activities aimed at young people and point out the need for this group to have a greater presence in the cultural life of the city.
The importance of cultural diversity and programming capable of representing the plurality of sensitivities, experiences and realities present in today’s society also emerges strongly. Along with this, inclusion appears as another of the great challenges identified by citizens, which demands an accessible, participatory culture capable of generating meeting spaces for all people.
The evaluation also confirms the value that citizens attach to heritage as a central element of the identity of Cáceres and Extremadura. The historical monuments, popular traditions, festivals and the territory’s own culture continue to be some of the main cultural assets recognized by the participating people.
Beyond the specific data, the consultation leaves a clear conclusion. Citizens perceive Cáceres 2031 as an opportunity to build a more creative city and region, more open to the world and with greater opportunities for new generations. An opportunity to strengthen cultural life, reinforce community ties and project the talent and cultural wealth of Extremadura internationally.
Volunteer work
This first evaluation has been carried out under the direction of the Cultural Activation Office, a body born from the candidacy to promote processes of participation, listening and cultural activation in the territory. The collection of information and field work have been possible thanks to the commitment of the volunteers who are part of Cáceres 2031, whose involvement has been essential to reach citizens and make this consultation process possible.
Cáceres 2031 expresses special thanks to all the volunteers who have participated in this initiative for their dedication and enthusiasm, as well as to the 502 people who have dedicated their time to answering the survey and sharing their proposals.
The results obtained will constitute a work tool to continue designing a candidacy connected with citizens and aligned with the challenges that they consider priority. Because the path to 2031 is built by listening, dialogue and making participation one of the main strengths of the bid.
The full report can be found here, in both Spanish and English: https://tinyurl.com/cc2031firstevaluation
