Else Beekman
Renowned Mexican writer Jorge Volpi, the newly appointed director of Madrid’s Conde Duque Cultural Centre, believes Spain is profiting from a growing influx of Latin American intellectuals and academics, many of whom are leaving the United States due to political uncertainty.
Just weeks after launching the new season at the cultural centre, Volpi said, “Spain has become the top choice for many Mexican students. People used to choose the US, but now, with all the uncertainty there, Spain feels safer. Many academics, especially those who disagree with Trump, are coming to Spain. That brings real benefits.”
Born in Mexico City in 1968, Volpi is one of Latin America’s most respected writers. His novel Una novela criminal won the Alfaguara Prize in 2018. His latest book is La invención de todas las cosas. Alongside writing, he has led major cultural institutions in Mexico and abroad, including the Cervantino Festival and the Mexican Cultural Institute in Paris.
A new face in Madrid’s culture scene
Volpi is part of a growing trend. More Latin Americans are taking top roles in Madrid’s cultural life. Amanda de la Garza is now deputy director of the Reina Sofía Museum. Marcela Díaz leads the Autumn Festival. And conductor Alondra de la Parra runs the Madrid Symphony Orchestra.
“This has never happened before,” says Volpi. “Four Mexicans now hold key cultural positions in Madrid.”
This reflects the city’s changing population. Around one in seven Madrid residents is Latin American. Their presence is no longer limited to restaurants or building sites—they’re now shaping the city’s culture and ideas.
Different systems, different strengths
Volpi says there are big differences between running cultural centres in Mexico and Spain. In Mexico, directors often bring in their own team and manage both art and administration. In Spain, most staff are experienced public servants who stay on through different directors.
“Here, I work with people who have years of experience. That brings stability. In Latin America, that kind of continuity is rare,” he explains.
Still, Volpi sees his role as both writer and cultural organiser as closely linked. “Both are about storytelling. Writing is solo work. Programming culture means telling stories together with a team.”
Madrid crowned second best tourist city in the world
Art, politics and censorship
Volpi says he has had full freedom in creating the new cultural programme. But he worries about growing political pressure on the arts.
“We’re in a time when both the left and right are trying to control culture,” he says. “Art is more than beauty or fun. It helps us understand the world and deal with problems like climate change, war and rising authoritarianism. But some political groups want to shut down any voices they don’t agree with. Trump is a clear example.”
Recently, Spain’s far-right party Vox demanded a ban on cultural events showing support for Palestine. Volpi called this “a terrible attack on freedom of expression.”
From Mexico City to Madrid
Volpi says both Madrid and Mexico City are exciting capitals. But Madrid has something special: people turn up.
“In Mexico, filling a theatre is hard. In Madrid, every music or theatre event I’ve seen has been packed. People really care about culture here.”
He also praises Spain’s approach to immigration.
“Spain has done a great job integrating migrants. Some voices online try to stir up hate, but the truth is that Spain’s economy is growing and becoming more open and diverse.”
Looking to the future
Volpi’s first season at Conde Duque focuses on today’s big issues, climate change, war, rising authoritarianism, and people losing hope for a better future. But he also wants to show that migrants, more than anyone, still believe in change.
“Migrants leave everything behind because they believe things can get better. That kind of hope is powerful. It’s what we want to reflect in our cultural programme.”
Richard Gere’s Madrid life and how Spain helped the Hollywood star reclaim peace