Canary Islands Digitizes Historic International Street Sculpture Archive
The Canary Islands government has digitized the International Street Sculpture Exhibition archive, preserving vital historical records of the avant-garde art movement that transformed Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The Canary Islands government has completed the digitization of the International Street Sculpture Exhibition archive, marking a major milestone in preserving the region’s contemporary art history. This project has secured and organized a vast collection of documents previously held by the Official College of Architects of Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro. After being professionally processed at the Provincial Historical Archive, these records have been returned to the College, ensuring they are preserved and accessible for years to come.
This collection is a vital resource for understanding how urban planning and visual arts have evolved in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The documents—which include architectural plans, letters, photographs, and administrative files—detail the impact of the exhibitions held in 1973 and 1994. These events were ahead of their time in Spain, successfully blending avant-garde art with the city’s urban landscape.
The initiative began in 1972, coinciding with the opening of the College of Architects' brutalist headquarters on Las Ramblas. This location became the heart of a project that went far beyond simple street decoration. With the support of figures like Eduardo Westerdahl, the exhibitions featured world-renowned artists such as Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, and Martín Chirino, whose sculpture Lady Tenerife became a symbol of the movement, putting the city on the international art map.
As noted by Director General of Culture Miguel Ángel Clavijo and Dean of the College of Architects María Nieves Febles, the archive is significant because it captures the complex creative and social processes behind the art. While the 1973 exhibition challenged traditional views of public space, the 1994 event offered a deeper look at the role of art in a changing society. By digitizing these records, the project ensures that both researchers and the public can explore the history of how public sculpture and architecture helped shape the cultural identity of the Canary Islands.