Tenerife Secures National Inclusion Arts Conference
Tenerife will host the 17th Inclusion in Performing Arts Conference in April, marking the first time this major national event takes place on an island and boosting the Canary Islands' reputation for inclusive cultural initiatives.
On Wednesday, the Tenerife Island Council approved an agreement with the National Institute of Performing Arts and Music (Inaem). This agreement means Tenerife will host the 17th Inclusion in Performing Arts Conference in April. The main venues will be the Tenerife Auditorium in Santa Cruz, the island's capital, along with other towns in the surrounding metropolitan area.
Since it started in 2009, this will be the first time this major national event takes place on an island. It will significantly boost the Canary Islands' reputation for inclusive cultural initiatives. Lope Afonso, the island's vice-president, stated, "This agreement puts Tenerife at the heart of Spain's cultural scene. We've succeeded in bringing a leading national event to the island, showing that the Canary Islands are ready to spearhead major national cultural projects."
The agreement outlines that Inaem will handle the overall organization and production of the conference. Meanwhile, the Tenerife Island Council will manage the local arrangements, providing venues and equipment, and connecting with the island's cultural, social, and educational groups.
José Carlos Acha, the island's Culture Minister, stressed the conference's transformative impact. He said, "These aren't just a series of performances; they're a statement of our values. We're dedicated to showcasing inclusive projects that prove performing arts can truly drive integration, and that culture in Tenerife is, and must be, open to everyone."