Valencia saw a pioneering municipal effort aimed at revitalizing the local culture scene through the Cultural Bonus, with Alicante standing out as the sole city in the region to participate actively. The initiative encouraged residents to buy books, comics, and theater tickets to stimulate demand and support cultural venues.
The program originated from the Ministry of Culture in October of this year. The total donation reached 60,000 euros, which equates to 6,000 bonds at 10 euros each. The bond application window opened on November 1, and 12 affiliates joined this offer before it closed in mid-month. The official tally showed 4,211 bonds traded, representing a municipal payment of 42,110 euros. In total, 70.18% of the offered amount was utilized, a figure described by the Cultural Council as very acceptable for a first effort.
Anyone could request up to four bonuses. The bonuses were issued as discounts on the purchase of cultural products at participating institutions, with each bond valued at 10 euros. Recipients needed to spend twice the amount of the bond value to qualify for the subsidy. Bonds were tied to the requester’s DNI (identity document).
This cultural consumption drive helped some titles rise to prominence, with a notable impact on local bookstores. The Pynchon&Co bookstore emerged as the most requested venue under the Cultural Bonus, with 1,199 redemptions. It was followed by Teatro Principal with 819 and Ateneo Comics with 793. Other notable performers included polish 426, Fahrenheit 310, Land 46, and Spiral 33. In the music sector, 415 redemptions were used to buy tickets for the Spring Festival, and 170 for Puerto de Salida concerts.
“I think it went very well,” said Manresa, highlighting the Cultural Bonus as a catalyst for municipal expenditure that translated into 84,220 euros of revenue for local businesses, due to the requirement that the spending amount be doubled to leverage the bonus.
In this sense, the main objective was to ensure that the local cultural sector remains active. The Alicante City Council Culture Department played a central role in reactivating cultural life and encouraging residents to engage with the sector.
Literature and performing arts emerged as the most popular categories, a sign that residents appreciate reading and live performances. “This shows that people love literature and comics, and it makes me proud that the Teatro Principal ranks as the second most requested venue in the eyes of the chief executive,” observed a city official.
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Manresa noted that the initiative will continue into the next year, with a goal to reach more industries, involve additional companies and executives, and achieve broader participation because the program benefits everyone.
Regarding the possibility of expanding the budget, the councillor explained that the total is fixed by the budget framework. He added that while changes to credit could be explored, the overall cap remains in place.
Satisfaction in the industry
Maria Dolores Padilla, deputy director of Teatro Principal, called the program a success, citing 819 fulfilled coupons and noting the activity across different categories such as theater, dance, and music. The strong uptake demonstrated that customers valued the initiative and used it positively.
Jose Manuel Piñero of Baltimore Productions, organizer of the Spring Festival and Puerto de Salida concerts, also highlighted the positive impact of supporting culture. He recalled advocating for such a scheme a year earlier and welcomed the outcome, hoping it would continue annually to simplify access to cultural experiences for residents.
Piñero also mentioned the potential for online access next year, especially for concerts where ticketing logistics could be streamlined. He noted that a dedicated online system would reduce long queues and improve options for attendees.
List of redemption coupons by organization
BUSINESS NO MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT BONDS €
Pynchon Bookstore 1,199 11,990
Main Theater 819 8,190
Ateneo Comics 793 7,930
Çilsa Books 426 4,260
Spring Festival 415 4,150
Fahrenheit Bookstore 451 3,100
Exit Door 170 1,700
Roots Bookstore 46 460
Spiral Books 33 330
TOTAL………………… 4,211 ………… 42,110