Hispania Nostra will inaugurate on 27 August at 20:00 in the Casa de Mareas de Arnuero the commemorative exhibition marking its 50th anniversary. The exhibition spans half a century of the association’s work in the defence, conservation and enhancement of Spain’s cultural and natural heritage.
The exhibition, which began its itinerant run after its presentation in Madrid, will arrive in Cantabria with the aim of bringing the story of Hispania Nostra and the principles that have guided its activities since its founding closer to the public: viewing heritage as a shared wealth, the participation of society in its protection, and the need to pass this commitment on to new generations.
The opening will feature the participation of Araceli Pereda, Chair of Hispania Nostra, who will present the content and objectives of an initiative that invites reflection on heritage as shared memory, collective responsibility and a tool for understanding the present.
Under the title “Hispania Nostra. 50 years committed to heritage”, the exhibition allows visitors to learn about how defence of heritage in Spain has evolved and the role played by civil society, institutions and local associations in its conservation.
The exhibition gives a leading role to some of Hispania Nostra’s most representative initiatives, reflecting the association’s ability to build bridges between citizens, public administrations and organisations committed to protecting cultural and natural legacy.
Among them is the Red List of Heritage, created in 2007 as a tool for social participation to identify and make visible cultural and natural assets at risk of disappearance, destruction or alteration of their values. Through this initiative, Hispania Nostra seeks to set in motion a call to action that will help protect and recover them.
The exhibition also traces the history of the Hispania Nostra Awards for Good Practices, which recognise exemplary, innovative and sustainable interventions in the field of heritage. Among the awardees is the Ecoparque de Trasmiera in Arnuero, winner of the Hispania Nostra Award 2012, and Europa Nostra 2014. These awards highlight projects that are capable of demonstrating that conservation can become a benchmark for the future and a living expression of society’s commitment to its legacy.
Its arrival in Arnuero will bring this journey to new audiences and continue to raise awareness of the importance of preserving heritage that belongs to the whole of society.