Pepe Valladares (Granada, 1955), president of the Círculo de Bellas Artes de Santa Cruz, states that he is a Canary Islander born in Granada “because to be is to belong, and this is the place to which I belong.” He wanted to be an artist, despite his father’s opinion. His father wanted him to study “something serious”, which is why he trained as a quantity surveyor and continued with architecture, until design got in the way. “And I continue to practice; I may be one of the longest-standing Spanish designers still active.” He says that his proposals have interested institutions and companies that trusted him to create their brand image. “And they still do,” he makes clear. “I have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, the possibility of creating in my profession, and now I also have the historic opportunity to create the conditions and lay the solid foundations that support the new Círculo de Bellas Artes at the beginning of its second century. And I am proud to lead such a challenge.”
-When will the Círculo de Bellas Artes reopen to the public and its members?
“Well, in reality, it is already open, with students from the Centre for Artistic Research and Practices (CIPA) of the Faculty of Fine Arts, in a project called Tuning Fork, which is tuning our centre for what is to come.”
-Do you have a schedule of events planned to celebrate the centenary?
“Yes, of course. From the ceremonial commemoration of the 100 years of the institution, a series of very intense activities will commence to begin this new phase, the new century of the Círculo.”
-Like what for example…?
“We are talking about around fifteen exhibitions, with corresponding debates about the state of contemporary art, dialogues with all sectors about what our entity was and represented in the city and culture. Lots of things. There is still much to be specified, especially regarding our concept of an open Circle, because everything fits there except intransigence and anti-democratic stances. Public institutions, galleries, similar centres, civil and academic society, etc., they all have open doors in our centenary.”
-I believe you have signed a collaboration agreement with TEA. What does it entail?
“No, not yet. We have already signed an agreement for the centenary with Fundación CajaCanarias. From the outset, they have wanted to be with us, and surely, we will continue together over time, because we have a wonderful synergy. We are working with TEA and other institutions to reach agreements, because the world of culture is always united by the same goal. And of course, both the Santa Cruz City Council and the Cabildo of Tenerife will be, as it should be, accompanying us in this important act for the culture of Tenerife.”
-Was the Círculo closely linked to the surrealist movement?
“Yes, this is something that has been well studied. The first surrealist exhibition was held at the now-defunct Ateneo de Santa Cruz, prompted by Gaceta de Arte, from the Círculo, precisely. And the following year, in 1936, the second exhibition, where surrealism coexisted with works of abstract art. Of course, if surrealism succeeded in this country, it was because of what happened in Tenerife, spearheaded by Eduardo Westerdahl and Domingo Pérez Minik, starting precisely from our institution.”
-This is a question I usually ask those who live the art world more intensely. What is its current state in the Islands? Is it true that the work of almost all artists is devalued?
“I believe it is in a good moment. New generations are joining the long artistic tradition of our Islands, and I think we are on the right path. Regarding the second part of your question, whether the work of artists is devalued, I think that statement is true. An artist’s work can devalue for many factors, such as overproduction, a stagnant career, doubts about the authenticity or provenance of the work, market changes, poor conservation, and even lack of recognition.”
(We talked about the long tradition of the Círculo, from its founding days, about restoration, the support it has received, and especially about that internal and external projection given by these 100 years of history within the cultural world, not only in the Canaries but in Spain. It is not easy for a cultural institution to reach a century, often challenging very adverse times and undeniable hardships that have been common throughout the years.)
-How many members does the Círculo de Bellas Artes currently have? Is it true that they pay a ridiculous fee?
“Considering that we have been inactive for seven years, it is very much appreciated, and I take this opportunity to express my gratitude, that we have maintained around 250 members, who have continuously supported the entity. The number is in a growth phase and will continue to grow as the Círculo de Bellas Artes takes its role as a cultural epicentre in our environment.”
-And what about the fee?
“The main contribution of members to the Círculo is not the fee; its potential lies precisely in the intangible qualities that these members bring: their human, intellectual, and creative capital.”
-There are rumours that part of the art collection is no longer there. What has happened to it?
“There exists a small collection of works from donations by artists, which is documented and inventoried.”
-What updates will the new facilities present?
“I believe the most notable aspect is that we have resolved the issues that led the Urban Planning Management, following a complaint from a neighbour, to force us to close to adapt the building to safety and evacuation regulations. Something that has now been resolved.”
-But the restoration work has been very interesting, don’t you think?
“Well, aside from what I have told you about the demands of Urban Planning Management, we have completely renovated the fourth floor, the theatre looks great, pending the theatre equipment, we have adequate and sufficient restrooms, and in general, all rooms.”
-Is there much left to do?
“We are currently focusing on small works and details. We are working on furnishing the entire building, refreshing the Westerdahl rooms, new exhibition lighting, repairing the rear façade, and renovating the carpentry of both façades, but everything will be completed soon.”
-Any major work still pending?
“The only major work pending is the equipment for the performance space, but the project and budgets are finalised, and we will address the funding in the coming days.”
-I wanted to ask you about the archive of the Círculo. What is its current state?
“I can tell you that the archive exists, and there will be an effort to catalogue the stored documents, with the aim of making them available to researchers and anyone who wishes to use them.”
(Pepe Valladares tells me that there are some very interesting catalogues preserved in that archive, alongside documents relevant to the entity’s history, which will be reorganised and made available to interested parties for consultation.)
-What are the most immediate projects that your board and you have pending?
“The first will be those related to the centenary.”
-I think that’s clear.
“We will dedicate August to completing the smaller works we still have pending, as I mentioned before, and in September we plan to kick-off very seriously.”
-Could you be more specific?
“I mentioned that the Círculo will be a place for debate and the promotion of critical spirit, which is so necessary in these times.”
-You also mentioned professionalising the Círculo de Bellas Artes.
“Yes, we aim to professionalise management, with the incorporation of managerial services.”
-Maximise the use of the facilities…
“Exactly, we plan to prepare a business model to make the most of our facilities and rely less on public funds.”
-I believe there is an important meeting on the horizon, isn’t there?
“Yes. Due to the centenary, we are going to hold the first meeting of Círculos de Bellas Artes in Spain, inviting our counterparts from Madrid and Palma, in order to discuss our role in contemporary society, implement best practices, and reach collaboration agreements.”
(It seems a new chapter is opening in the century-old and prestigious cultural entity of Tenerife, led by the board chaired by Pepe Valladares, who has taken the reins of the Círculo de Bellas Artes. The previous president, Alejandro Tosco, has spoken highly of the new team now in charge of the entity. It is true that unity creates strength and that the drive from members and collaborators will make the task easier. Although no task related to culture is easy in this country or these Islands.)
