The Círculo Ecuestre organized a dinner and discussion on Monday to debate the fundamental role of foundations in society. This was the sixth edition of the series “The Foundational World”, which focused on the challenges facing this sector. As in the previous five editions, the president of the Círculo Ecuestre, Enrique Lacalle, presented the event, highlighting the excellent development of the lecture series. The session was moderated by the Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, Maria Eugenia Gay, who was joined by Elena de Carandini, president of the Raimat Lleida Community Foundation; Pilar Barceló, founder of the Arcadi Foundation; Salvador Alemany, president of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Foundation; and Josep M. Coronas, CEO of the “la Caixa” Foundation.
Before the colloquium began, Gay emphasized the importance of defending the role of foundations in society and highlighted the support they provide to government agencies in addressing existing social problems. She also noted that these sessions aim to help different levels of government improve and engage in self-reflection to further support these organizations.
During the debate, Coronas presented the work of the "la Caixa" Foundation across all sectors, but placed particular emphasis on its efforts to boost the scientific ecosystem in Barcelona. In this regard, she pointed out that the "la Caixa" Foundation has helped launch more than 270 startups, resulting in over 100 patents. These figures are expected to increase with the full opening of the CaixaResearch Institute building in the coming months. Its more than 22,000 square meters will provide work for over 500 professionals to conduct research in the field of immunology, applicable to all types of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
For his part, Alemany explained the budgetary work involved in a foundation like that of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, which integrates up to four different administrations. In this regard, the businessman noted that currently 50% of the Barcelona theater's budget is financed internally through ticket sales, patronage, and sponsorships, which, he emphasized, necessitates a change in mindset. Specifically, he recalled that in recent years they have worked towards greater accessibility for all of society with a much more open and contemporary program that allows them to bring the classics closer to a younger and more diverse audience. “This is helping us cultivate a pool of future generations at the Liceu,” Alemany affirmed.
For her part, De Carandini argued that, looking ahead, it is essential to strive for alliances within the region, as she is already doing at the Raimat Lleida Community Foundation. Specifically, De Carandini emphasized the importance of partnering with various stakeholders to carry out projects that can truly impact a specific area, and the need to establish clear parameters—both quantitative and qualitative—to measure the real impact on society.
In turn, Barceló lamented that small foundations dedicated to research into rare and minority diseases often struggle to access public funding. Despite this, she noted that a total of 32 million people in Europe suffer from such a disease and encouraged those present to be more aware of and provide greater support for these causes, however small they may initially seem. In this regard, he explained that the Arcadi Foundation is currently working with both Vall d’Hebron and the Trueta Hospital in Girona to establish reference units for the research and treatment of cystic fibrosis.
The discussion concluded with a joint appeal from the speakers to support foundations so they can continue their work to improve society and promote wealth redistribution.