From November 14th to 16th, 2024, T6 Ecosystems participated in the inauguration of the Real World Laboratory in Genalguacil, Spain, as part of the groundbreaking PACESETTERS project. This exciting initiative seeks to explore how artistic and cultural entrepreneurship can play a central role in advancing the global climate transition.
The Real World Laboratory in Genalguacil marks the first of three such labs that will be launched in Europe, with additional labs planned for Nowa Huta in Krakow, Poland, and Galway, Ireland. These laboratories are designed to be hubs of research, innovation, and transformation — places where local communities, artists, researchers, and policymakers can come together to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time, especially the intersection of climate change, culture, and rural development.
Nestled in the Genal Valley of the stunning Andalusian mountains, Genalguacil is a village known for its picturesque white-washed walls and rich cultural heritage. Despite facing challenges like a declining population, the pressures of unsustainable tourism, and rural gentrification, the village has embraced its identity as an open-air museum of contemporary art. Since 1994, Genalguacil has hosted biennial artistic residencies, known as Encuentros de Arte, which have resulted in striking public artworks scattered across the village.
These artistic interventions, which include sculptures, murals, and installations, have helped the village maintain its cultural vibrancy and attract visitors, despite its small size and remote location. The Genalguacil Pueblo Museo also plays a key role in this effort, showcasing award-winning exhibitions that highlight the intersection of art, culture, and sustainability.
Now, the village has taken another bold step forward with the creation of LAB Genalguacil, a new collaborative space dedicated to rural innovation. The lab aims to foster new practices for sustainable rural development, empowering local communities and leveraging the transformative power of art and culture in addressing climate and social challenges.
During the inauguration of the Real World Laboratory in Genalguacil, PACESETTERS researchers, local residents, Spanish officials participated in a variety of workshops, public events, and discussions, all designed to foster mutual learning and reflection. One of the most impactful aspects of the event was the exchange between the local community and the project researchers. Indeed, it became clear that the future of rural areas hinges not just on technological or policy solutions, but on fostering collaborative, creative, and culturally grounded approaches. In Genalguacil, the arts and culture are seen not as luxuries, but as powerful tools for addressing the challenges of climate change, social equity, and community resilience.
The launch of the Real World Laboratory in Genalguacil is a reminder of the powerful role that arts, culture, and community-driven innovation play in shaping the world we want to live in. With the support of projects like PACESETTERS, rural areas can become beacons of sustainable development, creative entrepreneurship, and climate resilience.
