In conjunction with the town council, Okuda San Miguel will unveil his latest urban art project in Carrer Santa Agnès, the popular resort's busiest street. Once the throbbing heart of the West End teeming with younger holidaymakers out for unbridled revelry, the thoroughfare now seeks to offer a new experience to both tourists and locals.
Aiming to enliven the surroundings and foster a sense of community and belonging among residents and visitors alike, the exhibition, which will be ready in time for the first Spring tourists to admire, sets out to symbolise the positive changes in store for this neighbourhood of San Antonio.
In his own words, San Miguel describes it “...as a powerful and challenging project for me, as it's the first time I'm creating artwork directly on the ground in addition to the use of textiles. What is more, like this, it will provide visitors with shade. On a wider level, it's also a unique opportunity for people to immerse themselves in my work.”
A mock-up of the West End's main street
The goal of urban renewal
The groundbreaking project forms part of a broader urban regeneration strategy aimed at attracting both residents and visitors to renewed, vibrant downtown spaces.
It is hoped the work of this pioneering Cantabrian artist will not only make the area more visually appealing but also act as a catalyst for cultural tourism and sustainable economic development.
San Antonio Town Mayor Marcos Serra elaborates on the initiative, explaining, “Along with Okuda's artistic contribution, other measures include creating a boulevard on Vara de Rey street and an art gallery. Besides these, we intend to undertake a comprehensive renovation of streets in the historic centre, give grants to help West End businesses transition, and provide subsidies for improving façades”.
The overall aim of these initiatives is to enhance urban aesthetics, diversify offerings, and boost daytime commercial and dining activities in the area to enhance coexistence between locals and tourists.
In what could be a turning point for the town, the project seals its status as a cultural landmark in the Mediterranean. At the same time, it serves to showcase the key role that art can play as a driver of social and economic transformation.
Explore the vibrant streets of San Antonio and witness the fusion of art and community today.
