Unfinished works in Antioquia became Houses of Culture

What were once stalled projects, unfinished projects, and spaces at risk of being lost are now vibrant venues for art, education, and civic engagement. In municipalities such as Caramanta, Armenia, Betulia, Puerto Triunfo, and Ebéjico, the Governor's Office and the director of the Institute of Culture and Heritage of Antioquia (ICPA), Roberto Rave, embarked on a process of restoring cultural infrastructure that was in critical condition.

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Following a technical, legal, and financial evaluation conducted at the beginning of the current administration, it was possible to identify the current status of these projects and define joint strategies with municipal administrations to complete them and make them available to the community. This coordinated effort, which also included the injection of departmental resources, has made it possible to rescue legacy projects in critical condition and transform them into active and functional Cultural Centers.

“Each of the restored infrastructures represents an opportunity to transform realities, as they integrate education, art, and economic development and, above all, give communities back the opportunity to express themselves and build a future through diversity and creativity. Our goal has been to ensure that no cultural work is left behind, and today these spaces are open as venues for learning, creation, and encounter that strengthen the social fabric and identity of each region,” explained Roberto Rave.

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However, the ICPA's strategy goes beyond restoring existing infrastructure. Progress is currently being made on new projects to strengthen cultural heritage in municipalities such as Rionegro, Concepción, San Vicente Ferrer, El Santuario, Marinilla, Granada, Alejandría, Támesis, Hispania, and Jericó , which include infrastructure expansion, improvement, and maintenance. All of these projects are financed with departmental resources and include monitoring and transparency mechanisms that ensure the proper use of public funds.

One of the pillars of this initiative is citizen participation, as communities are involved at every stage of the process, from socialization to the final delivery of the works. This participatory approach translates into stronger ownership and a collective commitment to the care and sustainability of these spaces, which are designed as safe and creative environments to promote educational processes in art, culture, and entrepreneurship, especially for children, youth, and adults.

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In addition to their educational function, Cultural Centers play a key role in social cohesion and violence prevention . By offering positive alternatives for free time, they promote peaceful coexistence, community dialogue, and a stronger social fabric.

They are also linked to economic development and tourism strategies, promoting training in creative trades, job creation, and the development of productive projects linked to the region's cultural and creative industries.