Gràcia Arts Project is a small, lively art gallery situated right at the heart of Barcelona.

The gallery is run by a growing association of over 60 artists, designers, photographers, makers, writers, film-makers and performers.
Though it’s called Gràcia Arts Project, because that’s where its roots lay, the gallery is in Barrio Gótico, immediately adjacent to the Generalitat (Catlunyan government HQ). The association has a good multi-national mix, and includes members originally from the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Italy, Netherlands as well as Catalunya and Spain.

The exhibitions change every two weeks. The gallery also hosts music, poetry, film, spoken word and multi-media events every now and then.
It’s a good spot to visit to get a good, up close feel for the range, quality and sensibility of art being produced in the city right now.
I enjoy going along to the exhibition openings and closings – informal cava fueled affairs which spill out into the street – to meet and chat with some very talented, sparky artists.

There’s an air of creative possibility, and the association has exciting plans for a much larger arts center, including performance spaces and studios, to be based in Gracia. The association is very open to ideas and is looking to form creative partnerships with other artist-run projects across Europe.
Check out their website, take a tour of the virtual gallery, and maybe sign up to receive regular e-mail bulletins and invites to openings, closings and surprise events.

By Bill Sinclair from SpottedByLocals.com/barcelona
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I really enjoy a good art exhibition and I really enjoy good architecture. Here, at the CaixaForum, I get to enjoy both.

The building, housing five exhibition spaces, a kids’ art workshop, 350 seat auditorium, café-restaurant and museum shop, is a former state-of- the-art textiles factory.

Based on a romantic re-invention of a medieval castle, and informed by a Utopian desire to provide an inspiring and safe working environment for its workers, when opened in 1912 local people refused to believe the building was a factory.

It only served as a factory for eight years. In 1940 the abandoned building was taken over by Franco’s police as a stables and garage.The current complex opened in 2002. Take the lift to the roof for a good view of the decorative brick, tile and ironwork.

They’ve had some very good exhibitions here including one exploring Dalí’s forays into fashion, graphic design and film – including a never before screening of an animation Dalí made for Disney in the 1940s.

As well as retrospectives they also promote an interesting programme of contemporary art. They have a pretty good permanent collection – featuring works by artists such as Joseph Beuys and Sol Lewitt (who produced the permanent work you’ll see on the wall in the entrance).

The venue also promotes a lively music programme. And, when done with wandering this inspired and inspiring building, there’s a café-restaurant which serves drinks, snacks and full blown meals.

Photo by Bill Sinclair

By Bill Sinclair, from SpottedbyLocals.com/barcelona.
See full original article including details & map