Josep Manuel Rueda: “We need to involve citizens more: the Association of Friends of the Girona Art Museum must grow as a network”

This past January, the Association of Friends of the Girona Art Museum began a new stage with the change of presidency: Raimonda Coll i Bonet handed over the position to Josep Manuel Rueda i Torres (Arbúcies, 1957), a researcher and cultural manager with a long career in the field of heritage.

A graduate in Philosophy and Letters from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, specializing in Archaeology, and a doctor cum laude from the University of Girona, Rueda has held several prominent positions throughout his career. Among others, he has been director of the Girona Art Museum (2001–2007), the Ethnological Museum of Montseny in Arbúcies and the Municipal Historical Archive in Arbúcies. He has also served as deputy director of Architectural, Archaeological and Paleontological Heritage of the Generalitat, director of the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia and head of the Catalan Agency for Cultural Heritage.

Interview with Josep Manuel Rueda

How do you assess the previous stage of the Association?
The evaluation is very positive. Numerous cultural activities have been promoted and sustained work has been done to build member loyalty. The challenge now is to continue this work and, at the same time, incorporate new proposals that provide renewed impetus to the Association. This new stage is faced with enthusiasm, but also with the rigor and vocation of cultural service that the position requires.

How do you face this new stage and what goals do you set for the next four years?
There are two main objectives. On the one hand, to continue supporting the Girona Art Museum and strengthen the Association's role as a bridge between the museum and the public. This involves organizing activities linked to the museum and also proposals designed for the enjoyment of members, such as lecture series or cultural outings.

In this sense, there is already an active program with visits to exhibitions, heritage itineraries and cultural excursions, such as the visit to "Botànica en l'art" at the CaixaForum in Girona, outings to spaces such as the Montsoriu Castle or visits to reference museums in Barcelona.

On the other hand, the aim is to promote the creation of the Fira dels Amics del Museu d'Art de Girona, scheduled for June. It will be a meeting place for entities from all over Catalonia, with debates, conferences and activities to reflect on the current role of cultural associations. At the same time, work is also being done to attract a young audience with specific projects, such as temporary exhibitions dedicated to emerging artists.

How many members does the Association currently have?
There are currently 585 members. The reduction compared to previous stages is due to an update of the database. However, the Association has improved significantly in management and in areas such as the photographic archive.

The focus now is on monthly exhibitions, insurance management —a particularly delicate aspect— and support for prominent artists, without losing sight of the essential link with the Girona Art Museum.

What are the advantages of becoming a member?
Members enjoy free entry to the museum and its exhibitions, as well as access to exclusive activities such as guided tours, conferences and various cultural events. They can also benefit from discounts at collaborating entities and become part of an active community linked to art and heritage.

How do you plan to attract new partners?
The key is to strengthen communication and offer an attractive and diverse programming, capable of generating interest in audiences of all ages. The goal is for the Association to become an enriching and participatory cultural experience.

What is the main message for members?
That the Association continues to work with the will to grow and evolve. To make this possible, it is important to strengthen the involvement of citizens and encourage networking.

What is the Association's current budget?
The budget comes mainly from membership fees and is around 26,000 euros. After covering structural expenses and administrative staff, around 7,000 or 8,000 euros remain for activities.

Given the increasing difficulty in obtaining institutional support, initiatives such as the Fira dels Amics del Museu d'Art de Girona are being worked on, which could open up new avenues of funding. It should be remembered that the Association has a history of over 30 years, which consolidates it as a leading cultural entity in the Girona region.

What is being prepared for the next edition of Girona, Temps de Flors?
An artistic intervention is planned in the gardens and well of the Museu d'Art de Girona, based on a proposal of great chromatic strength, where the assembly part will be in charge of Raimonda Coll. This exhibition can be visited from 9 to 17 May. Regarding the appointment of the Honorary Friend 2026, it has not yet been made public.

What should be the relationship with the Girona Art Museum?
It must be a fluid relationship based on constant communication. The Association wants to act as an ally that strengthens the bond with the public, helps attract new audiences and supports the museum's exhibition programming.