After the Cinc Segles celebrations held to
commemorate the University of Valencia’s five-hundredth
anniversary, it was time to review the cultural project
and give consideration to the basic lines laid down by
the institution, that is the study and dissemination of
the University of Valencia’s cultural heritage, the
presence of cultural activities throughout the
university framework and the dissemination of university
cultural activities in Valencian society. We therefore
consider that we must continue to promote convergence
and collaboration with public and private bodies. |
To fulfil the objectives, the Department for Culture
organises the activities through the cultural workshops
of Music, Drama, Cinema, Poetry, the Debating Club, the
Halls of Residence Lluís Vives and Rector Peset, the
Botanic Garden, the Heritage Department, Gandia
International University, and the General Foundation of
Universitat de València, especially through the Music
Activity Trust and the Martínez Guerricabeitia
Foundation.
The relations between the University of Valencia and
institutions including the City Hall, the Valencian
Music Institute or the Liceu in Barcelona, or with
associations such as the Capella de Ministrers,
Victoria Musicae, the Sociedad Filarmónica de
Valencia, Societat Coral El Micalet or the
Cor de Cambra Lluís Vich, to name but a few,
allow the university’s supply of cultural events to be
considerably increased. |
One of the principal cultural concerns is the study,
cataloguing and dissemination of the university’s
patrimonial collections. The Thesaurus project was set
up with this aim and gives continuity to the studies of
the university’s patrimonial holdings. Another aim is to
promote donations. An outstanding example of the
University of Valencia’s commitment to culture is the
permanent programming of travelling exhibitions produced
by the university and shown at the university and in
other geographical areas.
The orchestra and choir of the University of Valencia
prepare yearly music programmes and activities, in
addition to consolidated musical events that include the
Festival Ensems or the traditional Serenates
al Claustre. The University Theatre Group also
stages a play every two years. Workshops, courses and
music, theatre, and poetry performances are coordinated
by the different cultural areas. |
The Discussion Forum and the Universitat d’Estiu
in Gandía channel discussion and reflection upon the
chief current concerns. This activity is boosted by the
necessary contribution of internal and external
proposals.
As we mentioned above, the University of Valencia
regards culture as a serious and absolutely essential
consideration that should never be omitted in any area
of joint reflection that society requires the university
to be part of. We firmly believe that culture must break
away from the rigidity of mainstream thinking and
embrace risks and uncertainties, even in the knowledge
that this is not always a comfortable attitude. |