Since the formation of La tabacalera a year and a half ago now there has been much debate and speculation on the purpose of the project within the centre. The site had originally been earmarked to be the largest centre for the creative arts in Spain a project with a budget of tens of millions.
Due to the 'crises' all such ambitious endevours had to be shelved but it was felt that the centre and location should still retain the purpose of community lead cultural activities.From this basic definition and through the hard work and enthusiasm of many different groups of individuals the project of La tabacalera manifested itself.
The situation in Ireland is bad but here it really is critical, in the age group 18 -26 in spain there is almost 50% unemployment and social support is practically non exsistant if you have not work previously and only temporary if you have had previous work.The financial system in Spain does not support the individual entrepenure as it does in Ireland.
Spain is still moving from the shadows of facisim and a financial system that was mainly concerned with keeping the wealth within certain circles creating a bloated civil service and an uncompetative market place.An average wage for the unskilled is €1000pm, alot of which is undeclared.Another headache for the goverenment is how to afford to regulate the ussues of the black market and the value of such regulation.Rental rates in the city of Madrid are much the same as Dublin if not more, it dosn't leave much to tax from a household.The conservatives in Spain are calling for innovation and jobs, while the present goverenment stand in the midst of the crumbling foibles of the conservative past.
For these reasons and more cultural centers such as La tabacalera are gaining significance in helping people help themselves and containing a sense of belonging and community. On the 9th of November a large debate and general meeting took place in the main nave of La tabacalera to discuss matters concerning the future of the centre and ideas on how Spain can move forward economically,socially and culturally.
At the debate were prominent figures in the cultural frame work of Madrid and Spain such as Jesus Carillo the director of museo centre nacional de art Reine sofia and others.
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