The Cervantes Institute in New York opened its doors in 1991 to an average of 3.400 students per year, interested in the 300 courses offered at the institution. Its cultural program is extensive, with a large number of events that capture the essence of Spanish cinema, literature, music, and art.
Its manager, Antonio Garrido, comments on the enormous responsibility involved in transmitting all these values in the capital of the world.
– From your point of view, what image do New Yorkers have of Spain? How would you assess their interest in Spanish culture and language?
Knowledge of Spain is limited to a minority. There is a tradition dating back to the 19th century that persists within very specific cultural circles.
Spanish, however, is a substantial part of this city, where one in four inhabitants is Hispanic. Economic power is growing, as is fashion: food, music, and so on. The Cervantes Institute represents Spain and also Spanish-speaking countries. We leverage this presence to ensure that culture is another important element in a better understanding of Spain and the Hispanic world.
– How would you assess the relationship between the internationalization of Spanish businesses and the dissemination of their culture and language in other countries?
Culture is the most powerful means for coexistence, and therefore for preventing hostile situations. The importance of Spanish companies in South America is growing every day. The same will be true in Eastern Europe. This presence is often viewed with hostility, as a new form of colonialism. Culture is the surest way to avoid these stereotypes and to build bridges of dialogue that facilitate exchange in its fullest sense.
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