The Centro Párraga contemporary arts centre in the city of Murcia

A variety of experimental and contemporary art exhibitions and events throughout the year

Located in the old Pavilion nº 5 of the Artillery Headquarters in the city of Murcia, the Centro de Arte Libre José María Párraga, named after the Murcia artist who lived from 1937 to 1997, is the venue for numerous exhibitions and events throughout the year, and is run by the Culture Department of the regional government.

The centre is defined as a venue for the exhibition and production of the performing arts and contemporary artwork, and welcomes experimentation and research in all formats which contribute to these activities and which help to establish the links between the performing arts and modern artwork. All of this takes place in a building which was remodelled between 2003 and 2005 following the designs of Juan Antonio Abellán, Luis Fernando Perona Martínez and Miguel Ángel Cárceles Garralón, providing working areas which are equipped with all of the relevant facilities for exhibitions, courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, concerts and other performance events.

Also housed in the same building are the Cendeac (Centre of Documentation and Advanced Studies of Contemporary Art) and the Factoría Cultural of the Region of Murcia (a nursery for creative businesses), cementing the location’s importance in the cultural activity of the regional capital still further.

The idea of the Centro Párraga is to operate as a kind of “Kunsthaus”, or “art house”, with a variety of temporary exhibitions and other activities taking place under one roof and collaborations welcomed from both within and outside Spain. This leads to many of the events at the centre being “fringe” rather than “mainstream” as local artists explore their creative urges, and at the same time ensures that over the year there is almost certain to be something of interest to for a wide range of tastes.

The activities at the Centro Párraga can be summed up under six main headings:

• Exhibition of the most important and experimental artistic production which is not on the radar of the usual commercial distribution networks.

• Production: a program to allow artists periods of residence in order to consolidate their work and reputation and to encourage contemporary regional art production.

• Connection: the centre aims to act as a meeting point between the creators of contemporary art in the Region of Murcia, the performing arts and “performance”.

• Mediation: the construction of culture by means of social participation.

• Professionalization: the creation of platforms which allow artists, collectives, companies and the industries of culture to specialize and become professionals.

• Internationalization and networking with similar centres of culture in the rest of Europe.

FACILITIES AND WORKSPACES

Espacio 0, also referred to as the “Espacio Escénico”, is the exhibition area located on the ground floor of the Centro Párraga, and is dedicated to contents related to dance, performance and contemporary theatre. It also hosts conference cycles, concerts, master classes and the work of artists working with movement.

Audiences of up to 130 can be accommodated, and a large stage area (271 square metres) is located on the ground floor of the building.

The areas known as “Espacio 2” and “Espacio 3” house exhibitions designed specifically for them by artists whose reputations are already well established.

Espacio 3 is also used for exhibitions of an audiovisual nature, as there is no natural light.

Espacio 1 (also the “Sala de Máquinas” or machine room) is dedicated to emerging art, exhibiting the proposals of young artists and providing them with a first chance to display their fledgling works at an institutional venue.

VISITING THE CENTRO PÁRRAGA

One of the aims of the Centro Párraga is to make culture accessible to all, and when the building was remodelled among the considerations taken into account were the way in which spaces were adapted and signalled, and the removal of architectural barriers which might provide obstacles for those of limited mobility.

Admission to the exhibitions and some of the shows is free, and when a fee is charged it is low enough to be affordable for anyone interested in attending.

Access and corridors are wide enough for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and all of the floors are serviced by lifts.

Animals are not allowed in the Centro Párraga unless they are accompanying a human visitor out of necessity, as is the case with guide dogs for the blind.

Signs direct visitors to the different spaces within the centre, using large lettering in both Spanish and English. All areas are equipped with adequate signage for the purpose for which they are intended.

Security is offered by cameras located throughout the facilities, but visitors are reminded to keep a close eye on their belongings. In addition, they are asked not to touch the exhibits on display.

The use of mobile phones is not permitted, and visitors are asked to refrain from bringing food into the premises.

Guided visits are not usually provided for the exhibitions at the Centro Párraga, although for certain exhibitions specific pre-arranged services can be provided. However, all exhibitions and performances are accompanied by an informative leaflet or brochure supplying visitors or users with the necessary information.

Address: Calle Madre Elisea Oliver Molina, s/n, 30002 Murcia

Telephone: 968 351410

Email: info@centroparraga.com

The Centro Párraga opens on weekdays only from 8.00 to 20.00, and exhibitions can be visited from 9.00 to 20.00.

Paid underground parking is available servicing the whole of the Cuartel de Artillería, which also houses other projects and organisations. The best non-paying option is to park on the large tarmac area on the opposite side of the river bank and walk across the pedestrian bridge, however, be aware that there is no security in the unpaid area.

For more information regarding news, what's on and visiting the regional capital go to the city of Murcia section of Murcia Today.