The Aula Magna of La Nau Cultural Centre at the University of Valencia will host on Monday, 11 May 2026, the presentation of the 2025 Report on the State of Culture in Spain. Culture for Peace, prepared by the Observatory of Culture and Communication of Fundación Alternativas. The activity is organised by ACICOM and Fundación Alternativas, with the collaboration of La Nau Cultural Centre, Econcult and the Cultural Observatory of the University of Valencia.

The event will be opened by Albert Moncusí Ferré, Vice-Rector for Culture, Sports and Social Engagement at the University of Valencia. The presentation will include the participation of Manuel Gutiérrez Aragón, president of Fundación Alternativas; Patricia Corredor Lanas, professor at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos and coordinator of the survey included in the report; Núria Lloret Romero, professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València and specialist in artificial intelligence and cultural diversity; and José Ignacio Pastor Pérez, president of ACICOM and author of one of the chapters devoted to media literacy and digital vulnerability.

A report on culture, democracy, social cohesion and digital transformation

The report, now in its twelfth edition, offers a broad reflection on the role of culture in the face of major contemporary challenges: the crisis of multilateralism, the transformations generated by digitalisation and artificial intelligence, political polarisation and the rise of so-called “culture wars”. The document defends the need to place culture at the centre as an essential public good and as a key element for sustainable development, social cohesion and peacebuilding.

According to the foreword written by Fundación Alternativas director Diego López Garrido, the report argues that culture should be recognised as a specific Sustainable Development Goal within the post-2030 international agenda and stresses the role of cultural policies as a tool against exclusionary discourses, authoritarianism and social fragmentation.

The publication is structured into two major thematic sections and brings together contributions from specialists in cultural policies, communication, education and creative industries. Among the topics addressed are cultural policies and cultural rights in Spain, the relationship between culture, health and peace, the challenges of algorithmic recommendation and digital platforms, the impact of artificial intelligence on cultural creation, the situation of the music and publishing sectors, live arts, and media and information literacy.

One of the central axes of the report is precisely the relationship between culture and democracy. The text argues that culture is not only an economic driver but also “the main bulwark against polarisation and exclusionary discourses”, and maintains that cultural policies must contribute to strengthening democratic coexistence, human rights and citizen participation.

The report also pays particular attention to the effects of generative artificial intelligence on cultural and creative sectors. Several chapters warn about the risks associated with the massive use of cultural content to train AI systems without consent or fair remuneration for creators, and propose the need to promote new frameworks for the protection of cultural and intellectual property rights.

In addition, the document emphasises the need to strengthen media and information literacy as a key competence for democratic citizenship in a context marked by disinformation, social media and information overload. In this regard, the chapter coordinated by José Ignacio Pastor Pérez analyses the challenges posed by digital disinformation and advocates a systemic approach to fostering critical thinking and citizen participation.

The session will conclude with an open discussion with attendees. The event will begin at 6.00 pm with free admission upon prior registration.