Description

The Ateneu Popular of Nou Barris is a cultural centre open to the public, born as a result of neighbourhood residents’ struggle to restore the area to public use. The numerous cultural activities that took place over the years helped to shape several specific groups, whose regular events gradually defined the lines of work that characterize the current personality of the Ateneu: circus, theatre, cinema, street animation, music, etc. Additionally, these groups established the foundation of a management model in which decision-making is based on maximum participation and responsibility of all interested parties.

From the beginning, we have considered cultural activities a tool for social transformation. Both the quality of the activities offered and the support from neighbourhood groups that share our cultural philosophy contribute to this process of change and improvement. For this reason, we prioritise certain aspects when programming our activities: creativity, training, production and distribution - all within an organizational framework that promotes participation on all management levels.

Former use : asphalt plant and machines storehouse
Architect of the renovated building: Pere Camps
Total surface: 1500 m2
Place property : Barcelona’s City Hall
Occupation type:4 years free lending contract with City Hall. In negotiation for new contract
Location : neighborhood of Barcelona
Foundation year of the centre : 1977

Infrastructures

  Theatre hall/ cinema: 280 m2
  Bar/Local/restaurant : 120 m2
  3 Offices for associations
  3 Training places
  Children Circus School, Adult Circus School
  Art gallery: Exhibition place in the restaurant and theatre hall
  Rehearsal places for theatre and circus
  Video studio

Social and artistic disciplines

  Visual arts : exhibitions, video studio
  Music : concerts
  Dance : performances, festival (in April)
  Theatre: performances, street theatre
  Circus : performances, festival, productions, school, rehearsal rooms
  Video : video edition
  Cinema : film exhibition

 Workshops

 Community projects
 1 magazine
 Kids specific cultural activities, on Sundays
 Recording videos studios
 Artist education/training programmes
 Social projects with other community associations
 Solidarity projects

Other structures/organisations resident on the site :

  18 resident associations

Financial support

 Barcelona City Hall

% of own income : 35%

Others : Associació de Circ de Catalunya
Districte de Nou Barris
Coordinadora Cultural de Nou Barris
Coordinadora d’AAVV de Nou Barris

Networks:

Trans Europe Halles