The University of Alicante and the Mutxamel City Council began their collaboration in 1995 with the signing of the first agreement to carry out cultural, academic, and research activities centered on the figure of the Mutxamel artist Arcadi Blasco. Nearly three decades into this cooperative journey, a new agreement was signed with the artist’s heirs to support mechanisms for cataloging, preserving, and monitoring his works and the artistic and documentary collections held at the University of Alicante, with an eye toward the future Arcadi Blasco Museum in Mutxamel.
Today, the long-standing partnership advances further. The Arcadi Blasco Corporate Chair, born from the joint efforts of the University of Alicante and the Mutxamel City Council, continues to grow under a shared governance framework. The rector of the UA and the Mutxamel mayor participated in a formal signing ceremony that highlighted paintings and ceramic works by Arcadi Blasco on display in the rectorate area, symbolizing the strong ties between the institutions and the artist’s legacy.
The rector of the UA stands at the center of the photo opportunity, flanked by the Mutxamel mayor and a key administrator. The moment captured reflects a sustained collaboration that underscores the importance of Blasco’s heritage to both institutions.
Following the signing, the mayor expressed gratitude for the close, long-standing cooperation between the city council and the university and for the establishment of the chair devoted to Mutxamel’s renowned artist. The rector also expressed appreciation for the municipality and emphasized the numerous links that bind the town to the university, noting that these ties have only grown stronger. The head of the chair described Rosa Ayela as a candidate with strong local roots who will lead with the same passion for Mutxamel that Arcadi Blasco showed in his work.
a reflection center
The agreement outlines that the Arcadi Blasco Institutional Chair will be academically affiliated with the University of Alicante and will serve as a center for reflection, discussion, and research in the art field. It will focus on Blasco’s works including stained glass, mosaics, ceramic murals, and other forms of art created from the mid-20th century to the early 21st century. The chair will design and implement a training program, outreach activities, and research tasks that advance education and knowledge in this field. The Mutxamel City Council will provide a financial contribution to support these initiatives.
Among the planned actions, the agreement includes research awards recognizing Arcadi Blasco’s artistic legacy for undergraduate and postgraduate projects at the University of Alicante, opportunities for postgraduate research on his legacy, the organization of Arcadi Blasco Plastic Arts Awards, the development of a dedicated website for the chair, and collaboration with other public or private organizations for exhibition projects and publications on Blasco’s work.
Relatives of Arcadi Blasco attended the signing ceremony, along with university and municipal officials and local cultural representatives who support the initiative and its goals for preserving Blasco’s contributions to the arts.
Artist
Arcadi Blasco was a plastic artist and a contemporary innovator who explored multiple disciplines including ceramics, stained glass, painting, and sculpture. His work gained wide recognition both nationally and internationally, with his pieces displayed in museums, public buildings, streets, and squares in various towns and cities.
Throughout his career, Blasco received numerous awards and distinctions, including prestigious honors from regional and national cultural bodies. His legacy is linked to institutions and communities that celebrate modern artistic practice and the enduring value of public art.