The modern and contemporary art fair By Invitation held a colloquium last Thursday, November 7, led by Alejandra Silvestre, director of the Hortensia Herrero Foundation and moderated by Ricard Planas, editor of the Bonart magazine.
At the event, presented by the president of the Círculo Ecuestre and curator of the art exhibition, Enrique Lacalle, Silvestre highlighted the vision and commitment of the Foundation, driven by its president Hortensia Herrero, vice president of Mercadona, who has dedicated her efforts to transforming the city of Valencia into a true cultural reference point, restoring its heritage, promoting contemporary art and supporting dance, achieving a positive impact on the city's cultural offering.
"We have a clear vocation that we were born for and by Valencia. Our president wants to support Valencia, the third city in Spain, which is still outside the artistic circuits. We want it to also be considered a cultural reference point", said Silvestre about the vice president of Mercadona.
During the conversation, Silvestre highlighted the growth of the Foundation's contemporary art collection, created with the advice of Javier Molins, which reflects the character and personal vision of Hortensia Herrero. "The Foundation has worked with renowned artists, such as Jaume Plensa and Manolo Valdés, and has promoted important public exhibitions in emblematic places in the city, seeking to bring art to all citizens", explained its director.
"Currently, the exhibition is made up of 100 works by 50 carefully selected artists, in a clear commitment to quality over quantity", explained Alejandra Silvestre. According to the director of the Foundation, "this philosophy of less is more reflects the character of the institution and its president who has always prioritized artistic excellence in each acquisition", she added.
During the conversation, the representative of the Hortensia Herrero Foundation explained the entity's commitment to the development of dance in Valencia, organizing an international campus and a gala with renowned dancers, whose funds are destined to charitable causes. “This programme not only allows the public access to quality shows, but also encourages the training of young talents in the city”, said Alejandra Silvestre.
The discussion ended with Silvestre calling on people to visit Valencia and enjoy the cultural legacy that the Hortensia Herrero Foundation has helped to build. “We want Valencia to consolidate itself as a cultural reference, not only locally, but with national and international reach”, she concluded, reflecting the Foundation's mission to revitalise the city and elevate it as a top-level cultural destination in Spain.