Barcelona promotes the opening of disused spaces in attempt to develop creative neighbourhoods

The director of Creativity and Innovation of the Institute of Culture, the Department of Commerce and the District of Ciutat Vella are collaborating on the Espais Mentrestant project  which is a revitalizing and energizing spaces project in the neighbourhood of Raval  through the use of disused spaces.

So far, the terms of occupation of two spaces have been negotiated and entrepreneurs can be temporarily assigned to these spaces. The aim is to provide support in minimalizing the legal and administrative costs for the owners and temporary occupants.  Espais Mentrestant is the intermediary between  temporary users of the spaces and owners, and are taking on the management and dynamics of the spaces for one year. These spaces have already been assigned to projects, ideas and businesses within the creative sector for allocation to various uses such as workshops, studios and shops.

Over the coming months, the call for the temporary occupation of other spaces will open.  Information can be found on this website.

The Espais Mentrestant project is the result of the union between members of Meanwhile Space CIC in London (http://www.meanwhilespace.com/) and Capipota Productions of Barcelona (http://www.capipotaproductions.com/), to capture the creative interests of the city, conceptualize new uses of empty spaces and provide affordable work space for developing projects, ideas and businesses.

More information: http://www.mentrestant.com/