The year that ends leaves behind twelve busy months marked by two important milestones in the cultural panorama: the Year of Sorolla, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Valencian painter’s death, and the long-awaited opening of the Hortensia Herrero Art Center. In the Valeriola Palace on the central street of Mar de València. A year of culture that was not affected by the political change following the elections in May. With the cultural portfolio in the hands of Vox, there were many doubts about the future model of Valencian public cultural institutions.
The opening of the Hortensia Herrero Arts Center last November was undoubtedly one of the most interesting moments in the Valencian cultural scene. After five years of rehabilitation, the Valeriola Palace has re-emerged as a new cultural focal point in the heart of the city, especially under the leadership of patron Hortensia Herrero, who has brought together in the unique space nearly a hundred works by nearly 50 artists from her collection. It consists of leading national and international artists such as David Hockney, Julian Opie, Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, Manolo Valdés, Jaume Plensa, Antonio Saura, Miquel Navarro, Joan Miró and Juan Genovés.
The name of the Valencian boss rubbed shoulders with Joaquín Sorolla, one of the “giants” of the picture, in 2023. Although the Ministry of Culture had difficulty getting started, the National Commission for the Sorolla Centenary finally approved its official program of activities in February, which included exhibitions across Spain.
The Center del Carme de València experienced more sensitive moments this year, with its director for the last seven years, José Luis Pérez Pont from Alicante, also being expelled from the Museum Consortium. This is the first departure from the position since Vox came to the ministry.