Puerto de la Cruz Hosts Fifth 'We Talk About Art' Conference at Macew Museum
The Eduardo Westerdahl Museum of Contemporary Art in Puerto de la Cruz is hosting its fifth "We Talk About Art" conference from March 19 to 21, featuring academic discussions on photography, gender in art, and the vital role of small museums in the Canary Islands.
The Eduardo Westerdahl Museum of Contemporary Art (Macew) in Puerto de la Cruz is once again a focal point for cultural discussion as it hosts its fifth "We Talk About Art" conference from March 19 to 21. As reported by Diario de Avisos, the event celebrates the legacy of the Tenerife-born critic and painter for whom the museum is named, while highlighting how small museums serve as vital hubs for social connection and heritage in the Canary Islands.
Coordinated by Estefanía González Pérez of the Institute of Hispanic Studies of the Canary Islands (IEHC), this year’s program blends academic research with public engagement. The lineup features notable university experts: on Thursday, March 19, Professor Carmelo Vega from the University of La Laguna will discuss the management and study of photography through the Nomad Museum. On Friday, March 20, Professor Patricia Mayayo from the Autonomous University of Madrid will examine the role of women artists within the Macew collection.
The timing of the conference is intentional, coinciding with the anniversary of the Eduardo Westerdahl Contemporary Painting Hall, which was founded in March 1953 and serves as the museum's origin. The focus on gender reflects a unique strength of the museum’s collection, which holds a significant number of works by female artists.
The conference concludes on Saturday, March 21, with an interactive event titled "The Sounds of the Museum." Developed with the Puerto de la Cruz School of Music, this session pairs the museum's art with live musical performances, encouraging visitors to engage with the collection on both an emotional and analytical level.
Strong public turnout and support from the Government of the Canary Islands, the Island Council, and the local City Council highlight the museum's importance. Despite limited funding, the institution has become a respected center for critical thinking. Organizers emphasize that this annual forum is essential for ensuring that museums continue to thrive as guardians of cultural identity.