Science, culture, and knowledge in debate at the 2nd International Conference Cities and Universities
The meeting fostered dialogue between cities, universities, and the cultural sector to promote strategic alliances toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative society.
On March 5, Barcelona brought together experts and institutions at the 2nd International Conference Cities and Universities to reflect on the role of culture in social development. Under the theme Culture, Cities, and Universities: a virtuous triangle for social progress, the Auditorium of the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) hosted over 120 participants, both in person and online, in an event organized by the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi) with the support of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Provincial Council, the Ministry of Culture, and the “la Caixa” Foundation.
The conference aimed to highlight culture as a fundamental axis for social cohesion and democratic development.
Culture and knowledge: allies for social innovation
The opening session included the intervention of Àngels Fitó, vice president of the ACUP (Catalan Association of Public Universities) and UOC’s rector, who emphasized the university’s role as a space for the creation and transmission of shared knowledge. Jordi Valls, Barcelona’s deputy mayor for Economy, Finance, Economic Promotion, and Tourism, highlighted culture as a tool for reflection and the construction of a more cohesive society.
The event began with a discussion on the essential role of culture in social progress. The philosopher and UOC professor Marina Garcés and the Spain’s secretary of State for Culture, Jordi Martí, addressed the need to make knowledge and critical thinking accessible to all citizens. It was emphasized that spaces such as libraries and universities must be open and inclusive, fostering active community participation.
Art, science, and city: new spaces for collaboration
One of the most inspiring contributions came from Mónica Bello, art historian and curator, who presented innovative experiences of collaboration between art and science. A standout example was the artistic residency program at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), where scientists and artists work together to explore new forms of knowledge. International experiences were also shared, demonstrating how the interaction between disciplines enhances creativity and innovation.
The connection between culture and universities was the focal point of several presentations. Eva Sòria, director of Cultural Sectors at the Barcelona Institute of Culture, spoke about creating cultural production spaces in the city and stressed the need for a stable strategy between universities and public administrations. In the same vein, Manel Jiménez, vice rector for Alliances, Community, and Culture at the UOC, advocated for the university’s role as a cultural agent, while Martina Massana, a Data UPC Engineering student, introduced U!Reading Club, the first inter-university book club in Europe, which she co-founded with two other students.
Rethinking the future of culture in higher education
Professor Miha Kovač, from the University of Ljubljana, offered a critical reflection on the impact of digitalization on reading and deep thinking, highlighting the need to preserve analytical skills in an increasingly fast-paced world. Meanwhile, cultural consultant and university professor Daniel Valtueña shared insights from his doctoral project at Queen’s College, New York, which explored how academic initiatives have integrated local residents into cultural projects, fostering community engagement in the creative fabric.
The conference also underscored the importance of taking risks and embracing innovation in the cultural field. Belinda Dillon, director of the Creative Arc program in the United Kingdom, emphasized that local authorities should take inspiration from artists, who are often willing to experiment and embrace failure as part of the creative process.
Along these lines, Asier Larrinaga from Bilbao City Council’s Development Department, Jeroen Bourgonjon, co-founder of COMON and professor at Ghent University, and Belinda Dillon shared success stories of collaboration between cities and universities in their respective regions. Through real-world examples, they demonstrated how these synergies can have a tangible impact on communities, fostering civic participation and strengthening trust in cultural spaces as drivers of social transformation.
Finally, the event concluded with a debate on how to create a more participatory culture that is closely connected to society. Gemma Segarra, general coordinator of the Manifesta 15 Barcelona Foundation, visual artist Carlotta Cataldi, and Mónica Bello shared experiences on the role of cities and universities in disseminating knowledge. As a visual synthesis of the day’s discussions, Carlotta Cataldi illustrated a live mural, capturing the ideas and challenges that emerged throughout the event.
With an international and multidisciplinary perspective, the 2nd International Conference Cities and Universities facilitated dialogue between cities, universities, and the cultural sector, fostering strategic alliances to move toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven society.
