The Nits d'Art al Castell festival has opened its doors in Figueres with the inauguration of the collective exhibition El refugi de les arts (The Refuge of the Arts). The show brings together works by nineteen creators from the region who interpret the concept of 'refuge' from various artistic and symbolic perspectives, utilizing the historic spaces of the Sant Ferran Castle.
The event, organized by seven local cultural entities with the support of sponsors, was attended by over a hundred guests. The president of the Friends of the Castle, Joan Carné, emphasized that the festival aims to value the castle's heritage by combining it with culture created by local talent. Spaces such as the former prison and chapel are intended to become cultural centers open to the public.
The mayor of Figueres, Jordi Masquef, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of sustaining it in the coming years to make the castle an inspiring space open to the community. He described the monument as history, culture, heritage, and, above all, future.
The exhibition El refugi de les arts, located in the Sala Martín Zermeño and curated by Lola Ventós, features works by creators including Mercè Riba, Dani Torrent, Assumpció Mateu, Antoni Federico, Carme Sanglas, Tota Sanglas, Eudald de Juana, Antonio Nicolás, Joan Casellas, Joan Vilajoana, Joanjo Bosk, Josep Ministral, Juliette Murphy, Luis Izquierdo-Mosso, Maria Mercader, Mònica Campdepadrós, Mel Moliner, Xavier Escribà, and Brume.
Before entering the exhibition, Figueres-based actor and dancer Rober Gómez performed an ephemeral action of dance and interpretation, interacting with elements like blankets and picture frames, while black and white photographs were projected, recalling the exile and the protection of artistic heritage at the castle during the Spanish Civil War.
The evening concluded in the castle's parade ground with the unveiling of the castle's new lighting. This area will host a significant part of the festival's program, which will include jazz concerts and film screenings, as well as a dining area called L'Àgora de les Arts.
