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Jerez 2031, Technical Office opened for citizen participation

By Press release Sabato, 01 Febbraio 2025
Jerez, the Cathedral Jerez, the Cathedral

In 2031, Malta and Spain will be the countries designating the European Capitals of Culture. For Spain, there are already several candidate cities such as Jerez.

The Jerez 2031 European Capital of Culture candidacy has taken a significant step forward yesterday with the inauguration of its Technical Office, which will oversee the entire process from the heart of the city's historic center. Located in the emblematic Tabanco del Duque, on Juana de Dios Lacoste Street, the Jerez 2031 Technical Office has opened its doors to the public in a historic 19th-century establishment spanning 200 square meters.

This venue holds a rich social and cultural history and was restored by the Jerez City Council with funding from European programs.

The inauguration was presided over by the Mayor of Jerez, María José García-Pelayo, accompanied by Casimiro Mantell Serrano, Rector of the University of Cádiz; Almudena Martínez del Junco, President of the Provincial Council of Cádiz; and Javier Sánchez Rojas, President of the Jerez Chamber of Commerce.

The event was attended by members of the Municipal Government, representatives of various social and cultural organizations, as well as individuals and entities that have submitted projects for the candidacy through the first Call for Expressions of Interest, which has received 69 proposals.

During the ceremony, the Mayor expressed her gratitude for the collective effort driving this "territorial candidacy". She highlighted the importance of this joint commitment, acknowledging the enthusiasm of Jerez’s citizens, whose high level of interest and participation reflects the city's strong cultural identity and its potential as a future European cultural hub. García-Pelayo also took the opportunity to thank the cultural sector once again for its engagement in this initiative, which aims to go beyond the city itself and embrace the entire province.

Meanwhile, Almudena Martínez, President of the Provincial Council, described the day as "a moment of great excitement" for what she called "a project for the entire province." She referred to the newly inaugurated Technical Office as "the engine room" of the Jerez candidacy for the European Capital of Culture and highlighted its strengths: "We have the talent, the history, the culture, institutional credibility, and something others don’t, our unique blend of cultures".

Martínez expressed her satisfaction that the Provincial Council is helping to make this dream a reality, with a financial contribution of €500,000 for the office’s operations and cultural programming. She also reaffirmed the institution’s strong backing of the candidacy. Furthermore, she offered the support of the Provincial Office for Major Events, recently established by the Provincial Council, to help promote Jerez and its candidacy through the numerous sporting and cultural events held across the province each year.

In his remarks, Casimiro Mantell, Rector of the University of Cádiz, emphasized the provincial vision of the institution, which aligns with the inclusive approach of this candidacy.

Similarly, Javier Sánchez Rojas, President of the Jerez Chamber of Commerce, underscored the importance of culture as a driving force for social cohesion and transformation.

Candidacy Team
As previously announced, Antonio Javier González Rueda has been appointed by the University of Cádiz as Head of Cultural Programming, while Francisco Perujo Serrano will oversee Communications. Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce has designated Amparo Rodríguez Huertas as Head of Participatory Processes.

- Antonio Javier González Rueda holds a PhD in Arts and Humanities and is a researcher in cultural studies. He is also the Director of the cultural management journal PERIFéRICA and an evaluator for Erasmus European projects. Currently, he is part of the University of Cádiz’s leadership team as Director of Secretariat for Coordination.

- Paco Perujo is the Director of Communications (DirCom) at the University of Cádiz, a PhD in Journalism, and a professor at the University of Cádiz. He also coordinates the Master’s in Research and Analysis of Flamenco and has led the Flamenco and Cádiz Carnival applications for inclusion on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

- Amparo Rodríguez Huertas holds a degree in Tourism and specializes in cultural management, performing arts, events, and creative tourism. She is also President of the Andalusian Association of Cultural Managers.

Objectives of the Technical Office
The Jerez 2031 Technical Office has the following key objectives:

- Officially presenting Jerez's candidacy for the European Capital of Culture 2031.

- Managing all aspects of the candidacy process, both during the pre-selection phase and, if successful, in the final selection phase.

- Serving as the official headquarters should Jerez be chosen as Spain’s designated city for the European Capital of Culture 2031.