In the second part of our insightful interview with Rosa Boladeras, the Councillor of Presidency and International Relations of Terrassa, we delve deeper into the city’s innovative projects and their significant impact on both local and international stages. Rosa Boladeras shares more about Terrassa’s dedication to preserving its rich historical heritage while simultaneously driving forward-thinking initiatives that set new benchmarks for urban development. Here’s a closer look at how Terrassa continues to blend tradition with modernity to create a sustainable and vibrant future.

Green City Initiatives

Terrassa’s efforts to promote eco-friendly practices and create green spaces are central to its vision of sustainable urban living. These initiatives are designed to foster a healthy and sustainable culture for all residents, making Terrassa a model of modern urban planning.

Terrassa also received the 2024 Europe Prize for its promotion of European ideals. What initiatives or projects do you believe were most influential in achieving this recognition?

Terrassa has won the Europe 2024 Prize, a recognition created by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in 1955 as a distinction to one European city for its actions at the European level. This award recognizes the work that Terrassa City Council has been doing for years in favor of the European spirit and contributing, within the city’s possibilities, to the construction of a united and strong Europe. This recognition confirms that Terrassa is going in the good direction and encourages the City Council to continue in the same vein, working in a network with the rest of the European territories, looking for solutions to common problems and strengthening the links between all the European citizens. 

Regarding the diffusion of the European idea among local society, Terrassa is very active in organizing events with a European dimension, open to the public, with the collaboration of the Academy and with special attention to young people and the educational sector. The fact is that, in Terrassa we are proud to have an Ambassador School of the European Parliament, Escuela el Cim, from where students learn European values and their rights and duties as European citizens. In May 2024, the city council has organized an activity to encourage other local schools to submit their candidacies to become ambassadors of the European Parliament, with the objective of promoting European integration from young people. In addition, in Terrassa we annually commemorate Europe Day with a European concert open to all citizens, and other activities organized by the Department of International Relations such as exhibitions, conferences or film screenings.

Rosa Boladeras

The See of Ègara: A Heritage Treasure

The candidacy of the See of Egara for UNESCO World Heritage status underscores Terrassa’s dedication to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. This monumental ensemble is a focal point for educational and cultural activities, engaging the community in the promotion of local heritage on an international stage.

The Councillor explained the importance of this monument: ” The See of Egara is a monumental ensemble made up of the Romanesque churches of Sant Pere, Sant Miquel and Santa Maria. It is located at the confluence of the Vallparadís and Monner streams, in the old Visigothic center of Ègara, origin of the town of Sant Pere de Terrassa, today a neighborhood of Terrassa. 

The See of Ègara candidacy began the process of registration on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on 27 March 2015, with the official presentation of the project at a mass public event staged at the See of Ègara. 

The Autonomous Government of Catalunya, on October 26th 2018 at the Historical Heritage Council meeting held in Elx (Alacant) passed a resolution to register the Episcopal See of Ègara and its pictorial decoration on the World Heritage Tentative List, the initial step in order subsequently to aspire to UNESCO World Heritage status. 

Since then, the See of Egara hosts educational and cultural local events within its candidacy to UNESCO World Heritage, involving all the citizens of Terrassa in the promotion of the UNESCO recognition of this local monument that makes reference to the city’s culture and heritage.”

Insights from Eurocities 2024 – Terrassa Team

The sessions on gender equality and women’s rights were particularly impactful for Terrassa, aligning with their comprehensive strategy around inclusion and diversity. This focus is part of a broader initiative to foster a sense of local belonging and build more inclusive and accessible cities.

Future Plans and International Collaboration

Looking ahead, Terrassa plans to continue its trajectory of cultural engagement and sustainability. Rosa Boladeras expressed a strong desire to collaborate with other European cities to drive positive social change and respect for human rights. The city’s initiatives in promoting European ideals and fostering international cooperation have been recognized with the prestigious Europe Prize 2024.

International Collaboration: Terrassa’s Vision for a United Europe

Boladeras emphasized the value of initiatives like the Women City Leaders’ mentorship program, which enhances leadership skills and champions equality. She highlighted the importance of knowledge exchange and collaboration in fostering social change and building resilient urban communities.

Cultural Engagement and Sustainability

In our interview, we aimed to explore the broader impact of Terrassa’s cultural and innovative initiatives on the city’s overall civic strategy. We were particularly interested in hearing how these successes might have inspired or shaped new projects and policies, fostering a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable urban environment across all sectors of city governance.

The transversal GAS program has a direct impact on the demography of Terrassa for its actions aimed at eliminating socioeconomic barriers and guaranteeing equality in access to the professional cultural products exhibited in the city. The average of free tickets for young people during the year of their majority is 1.5% of the total tickets issued, and that of tickets obtained with the ‘You are Culture’ card is 0.7%. Environmental measures in cultural events make the city and its population more respectful of the planet and have reduced the carbon footprint of cultural policies. The professional cultural sector is more egalitarian and diverse thanks, in part, to the fact that the GAS program encourages this parity and diversity in the preparation of cultural programs, both in the artists who are hired and diversity in cultural products that are exhibited.

Rosa Boladeras, Councillor of Presidency and International Relations of Terrassa

More on the GAS Program

“The GAS Program is already being replicated, both in the third local cultural sector, and in the other services of the corporation. Each service will require an own action plan that will be practically identical in its phases and structure, but particular in its content, taking into account the specificities of each area. The idea is that the transversal GAS program brings us closer to the city model we work with, a city with a symbiotic view of Genders, which contemplates all the Accessibilities and which is fully sustainable.

In terms of the UNESCO City of Film, Terrassa is a real stage open to filming, a city where cinema beats. Terrassa has hosted more than 1500 productions since 2008 with stars such as Antonio Banderas, Sigourney Weaver, John Cusack, Felicity Jones or Shakira. There are more than 2000 students in audiovisual formation per year with the ESCAC as a university center of reference. Terrassa also has the National Film Archive of Catalonia with more than 25,000 titles. Also, the Audiovisual Park of Catalonia, with 4 sets spread over 13,000 m2, hosts a cluster with more than 40 companies related to the industry.”

Terrassa’s story is one of innovation, cultural richness, and strategic vision. As the city continues to evolve, its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and international collaboration sets a powerful example for cities across Europe and beyond.

Terrassa is Bridging Heritage and Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Terrassa is a shining example of how a city can successfully merge its rich historical heritage with forward-thinking innovation to create a sustainable future. The city’s commitment to preserving its past is epitomized by the See of Egara, a complex of ancient churches and a bishop’s palace that date back to the early Christian era. This monumental site not only showcases Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles but also serves as a center for cultural and educational activities, reinforcing the city’s dedication to heritage conservation.

In parallel, Terrassa is making significant strides in modern innovation, particularly through its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Film. The Parc Audiovisual of Catalunya is a testament to this, acting as a bustling hub for film production and creative endeavors. Supported by substantial financial backing from the Catalan government, this facility is set to expand with new sets and studios, attracting international film projects and fostering local talent. This initiative not only bolsters the local economy but also places Terrassa on the global map as a center for cinematic excellence.

Moreover, the transversal GAS (Genders, Accessibilities, and Sustainabilities) program is another innovative project that highlights Terrassa’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. This program ensures that all municipal cultural activities incorporate gender equality, accessibility, and sustainability from the outset. By promoting non-sexist and inclusive visions, facilitating equal participation opportunities, and reducing waste, Terrassa is setting a benchmark for other cities to follow.

Terrassa’s efforts in green urban development are further demonstrated through its eco-friendly projects, such as the extensive development of green spaces and pedestrian zones. The city has introduced numerous parks and bike lanes, encouraging sustainable transportation and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. These initiatives, combined with the city’s rich historical and cultural preservation efforts, illustrate how Terrassa is successfully bridging heritage and innovation to pave the way for a sustainable future.