Terrassa: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

In the dynamic realm of European urban development, Terrassa has emerged as a notable player, exemplifying excellence in cultural initiatives, sustainability, and international collaboration. During Eurocities 2024 in Cluj-Napoca, Rosa Boladeras, the Councillor of Presidency and International Relations of Terrassa, shared the city’s ambitious projects and visionary outlook. Here’s an in-depth look at their journey and future aspirations.

Main Objectives and Expectations

Terrassa’s participation in Eurocities 2024 was driven by a strategic aim to explore European opportunities and foster international collaborations. Boladeras emphasised their goals: “The main objective for attending Eurocities 2024 is to explore European opportunities for our city through the participation of the networking events and the specific sessions organised with the aim of knowing concrete examples and best practices which could be useful for us. Other expectations are promoting our international projects, sharing our best practices with other members of the network and establishing new alliances to collaborate on future projects.”

Positive Experiences and Highlights

The event provided a fertile ground for learning and sharing, particularly around gender equality and women’s rights. Boladeras noted the importance of these sessions, highlighting their impact on Terrassa’s policies and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and sustainability. When asked ” How would you describe your overall experience at the conference?” The Councillor answered: “The experience has been very positive because we have been able to learn and share various content and immerse ourselves in the network’s priorities within the framework of gender equality and women’s rights. We have been working with city governments to maintain and further spread the idea in Europe.”

The Councillor also shared her thoughts on our Foundation’s initiatives, particularly our efforts to combat disinformation:

The Foundation’s initiatives to cope with disinformation are crucial in the current situation in Europe. It is necessary to promote international cooperation in countering disinformation for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Rosa Boladeras, Councillor of Presidency and International Relations of Terrassa

Cultural Initiatives and UNESCO Recognition

Terrassa’s cultural scene has received global recognition, notably its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Film. This accolade reflects the city’s rich cinematic history and vibrant community engagement in the audiovisual sector. Boladeras elaborated on this achievement: “The Terrassa City Council has been recognized for its cultural initiatives, especially for the transversal GAS (Genders, Accessibilities, and Sustainabilities) program. This initiative, promoted by the Department of Culture of the Terrassa City Council, aims to ensure that all projects, cultural activities, and events in the municipality meet the following requirements:

Genders: Incorporation of a non-sexist or androcentric vision into the cultural sphere and the promotion of artistic creation of all genres.

Accessibilities: Facilitation of equal participation opportunities for all people. Adoption and incorporation of an inclusive and accessible view from the beginning for the organization of performances and events open to citizens.

Sustainabilities: Reduction and elimination of disposable and single-use products in the pursuit of the zero waste objective in municipal events. Taking appropriate measures to ensure the sustainability of cultural projects.

In terms of being a UNESCO City of Film, Terrassa has a rich history linked to cinema, because in our DNA lives creativity and all the arts, with a special mention of cinema. The local community’s support for activities related to the audiovisual world is part of our day-to-day life.

Over the years, the film industry has settled definitively in Terrassa, achieving the goal of becoming a UNESCO City of Film. The Local Audiovisual Table, which leads the actions of Terrassa as a City of Film within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network since 2017, is in permanent growth and open to the incorporation of new members. The Audiovisual Board is made up of various entities, personalities, and training centers related to the world of cinema and the culture of the city, such as film studios, higher education centers, the archive of the Catalan film heritage, and powerful reference film offices in the sector.”

Innovative Projects at Parc Audiovisual of Catalunya

The Parc Audiovisual of Catalunya stands as a testament to Terrassa’s commitment to innovation. The facility is set to expand with new sets, further establishing the city as a hub for international film production. This expansion is bolstered by substantial financial backing from the Catalan government, highlighting the strategic importance of this initiative.

In our interview with the Councillor of Presidency and International Relations of Terrassa we found out that ” The Catalonia Audiovisual Park is consolidated as one of the pillars of Catalonia Media City. It will be thanks to the construction of two new large sets, of 2,300 and 1,500 m², which will be added to the four already existing at the Park. The execution of the works is planned for 2026. 

The Catalan government has approved a credit transfer of 10 million euros for this project. Thus, the Audiovisual Park will be the filming location that, with this expansion, will compete at an international level. 

Several projects are being developped to promote the cinema throughout the city. One of them is lead by the Terrassa Unesco City of Film and the Tourism Service, which launched the III inBootcamp Terrassa, a free, intensive and inclusive training program to promote the development of audiovisual, interactive and immersive experiences to promote tourism and the film industry in the city of Terrassa.

Thanks to the Next Generation EU funding, a laboratory for the creation of audio- visual prototypes has been constructed at the Park facilities, which connects Terrassa’s latent entrepreneurship with the professional market using applied and value-added technologies.”

Terrassa is Blending Heritage and Modern Innovation

Terrassa is at the forefront of cultural and sustainable innovation, spearheaded by projects like the transversal GAS (Genders, Accessibilities, and Sustainabilities) program. This initiative ensures all municipal cultural activities are inclusive, accessible, and environmentally friendly. Recognized as a UNESCO City of Film, Terrassa boasts a rich cinematic heritage, with the Parc Audiovisual of Catalunya expanding its reach. These efforts highlight Terrassa’s commitment to preserving its cultural roots while embracing modern sustainability practices, making it a model city for innovative urban development.