Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art marks its seventh annual edition from December 1 to 3 with a series of multidisciplinary conferences aimed at making contemporary art accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. The event continues a long-standing tradition of opening up participation in creative processes, art spaces, and educational and professional opportunities worldwide, aligning with the spirit of celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities every day on December 3.
The weekend program features a wide range of artistic and cultural activities that transform the museum into a hub for audiences from diverse backgrounds. The aim is to foster dialogue with the public and weave the museum more closely into the social life of the city, ensuring that the programming remains accessible to all visitors.
Council member Nayma Beldjilaliexplained that All MACAs seeks to bring contemporary art closer to varied audiences, spark interest in culture, and promote participation, creativity, and mutual respect across all segments of society. The project envisions building bridges between people by turning differences into opportunities for shared learning and collaborative creation.
Conferences are organized and coordinated by MACA. Suburbs, Arts and Social Engagement, a collective of interdisciplinary educators, mediators, and artists. This year, the event also features special collaborations with artists. Artistic Key, a project produced by the Consortium of Museums of the Valencian Community through the Cultura Resident program of Las Cigarreras Centro Cultural Campus, is included in the Edusi Alicante Las Cigarreras District program and co-financed with Federated Funds.
Programming
- Friday, December 1 at 11:00. Poster presentation for the Sempere project Pulling the Thread. Pictograms will welcome visitors to the museum.
The results of the fourth edition of the project Pulling the Thread were presented. Initiated by the DaGuten collective and the Neighborhood Graphic School, the initiative honors the centenary of Eusebio Sempere. It expanded to include associations and groups that had not previously experienced Sempere’s life and work within a museum setting. Partners included Centro Dr. Esquerdo from the Provincial Council Alicante, Adacea (Alicante Acquired Brain Injury Association), Alicante General Hospital, the Hospital Pedagogy Unit, the Alicante Down Syndrome Association, IES Leonardo da Vinci, and La Llavor Artística artists. Participants learned the screen printing technique to create the letters SEMPERE, producing a poster that celebrates creativity and diversity while symbolizing collaboration among organizations in honoring Sempere’s artistic heritage. An information poster crafted with pictograms was placed at the museum counter to improve accessibility and the visitor experience for all.
- Friday, December 1 at 18:00. Guided visit How to become Eusebio Sempere?
A dynamic visit led by an educator and performing arts specialist centers on the life and work of Eusebio Sempere, with insights into his social and personal dimensions as well as his experiences with disability. The session aims to foster empathy by exploring Sempere through a lens that highlights creativity and resilience against personal challenges.
- Saturday, December 2 at 12:00 noon. Presentation of the story My Father’s Glasses
My Father’s Glasses, authored by Ianire Doistua and presented by Patricia González Irala on behalf of the San Rafael – Estima Foundation, is crafted to be accessible to all readers. The Valencian Community has adapted and validated the story for easy reading through the FA-CI-LI-TO service, which encourages active participation by people with intellectual disabilities. The tale honors the San Rafael community as a warm, inclusive family rather than a mere residence.
- Saturday, December 2 at 12:00 noon. Guided visit Great artists simply
Attendees are invited to learn about the remarkable artist Maria Blanchard, born Maria Eustaquia Adriana Gutiérrez-Cueto y Blanchard (1881–1932). Blanchard’s life was shaped by kyphoscoliosis, which influenced her artistic path and personality. After the tour, visitors will conclude with a relaxed session in the museum library, enjoying vermouth and conversation.
- Sunday, December 3 at 11:00. The voice moves. Sonoran Discovery: Stories from the Museum
Participants will experience sound walks curated by artists from the latter half of the twentieth century. Musician and sound artist Carlos Izquierdo will explore the Arte Siglo XX Collection and the Eusebio Sempere Collection through attentive listening to the soundscape, highlighting how sound can reveal new dimensions of visual art. This is an invitation to experience art with ears and imagination.
- Sunday, December 3 at 12:00 noon. Simple Stories
Fixed and Solid Stories presents a selection of tales by Hector Bardis, a member of the theater company On the Other Side of the Land. The performance blends tradition with contemporary storytelling, delivered with humor and live music. A Spanish sign language interpreter ensures accessibility so that audiences of all languages can enjoy the performance.
All information regarding event access is available through the museum’s official site. The programming emphasizes inclusive participation, ensuring every attendee can engage with the exhibitions, performances, and conversations that make up the weekend.