Transforming and Providing Solutions Through Cooperativism and the Social Economy
The exhibition Another Economy Is Possible… and It Is Already Here. Transforming and Providing Solutions Through Cooperativism and the Social Economy is designed to introduce the public to the contemporary role of cooperatives and social economy entities. The exhibition forms part of the celebration of the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, declared on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Cooperative Principles and recognised worldwide for their contribution to economic democracy, equality and sustainable development.
Curated by Rafael Chaves Ávila, professor at the University of Valencia and an international authority in public policy and the social economy, the exhibition presents a clear, up-to-date overview of how cooperatives, mutual societies, associations and third-sector organisations have emerged as collective responses to historical challenges —inequality, employment, housing, energy, care— and how they continue to promote innovative solutions today in a context marked by ecological transition, digitalisation and new forms of inequality.
The exhibition narrative combines data, case studies and accessible content with a coherent set of visual and audiovisual resources. The original illustrations by Elena Muñoz Collado, created specifically for the exhibition, bring an expressive and symbolic dimension that enhances understanding and highlights the human side of cooperativism. This is complemented by a documentary directed by Elena Morales, featuring testimonies from cooperativists, professionals and individuals linked to various organisations in the sector. Their voices offer an inside perspective on the complexity, values and real impact of contemporary Valencian cooperativism.
Choosing Alaquàs as the first venue reflects its significance in the recent history of Valencian cooperativism. The town is the birthplace of emblematic initiatives such as Consum and Caixa Popular, both rooted in community organisation and now consolidated as models of economic democracy and territorial commitment. Beginning the exhibition’s tour here acknowledges this legacy and places it in dialogue with current challenges.
The exhibition explores the diversity of the social economy ecosystem: worker cooperatives, energy cooperatives, agri-food cooperatives, education and housing cooperatives, third-sector organisations, energy communities, social enterprises and civic innovation platforms. This broad perspective allows visitors to understand how these models generate social cohesion, strengthen the productive fabric and act as tools for sustainability and citizen participation.
After its opening in Alaquàs, the exhibition will continue its tour across different towns in the Valencian region, bringing the meaning of the International Year of Cooperatives to the territory and showcasing examples of social economy initiatives rooted in the Valencian Community.
The exhibition is produced by the University of Valencia through the University-Society Programme of the Vice-Rectorate for Culture and Society, which promotes cultural and outreach projects aimed at strengthening relationships between the university and local communities. With this initiative, the UV reaffirms its commitment to disseminating knowledge and highlighting economic models that contribute to more democratic, inclusive and sustainable societies.
