“The open-air museum is a success story, an initiative that began locally, in a decentralized manner, which had the enormous capacity to become a national phenomenon,” said the Minister of Education and Culture, Pablo da Silveira, in the launch of the commemorative celebrations for the 30 years of that institution located in San Gregorio de Polanco. The 30th anniversary will be in 2023.
In the activity, carried out on the afternoon of this Tuesday 4, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), the director of Education and Culture of the Municipality of Tacuarembó, Carlos Arezzo, also participated; the mayor of San Gregorio de Polanco, Asdrúbal Rodríguez, and the vice president of the Expresarte association, Liliana Tarigo.
As part of the festivities, national and international artists will create 30 murals in the town. The tasks will be carried out in three stages. The weekend of October 8 and 9 will begin to paint the first batch. The rest will take place in November and March. Neighbors and visitors will be able to attend to enjoy the moment in which the works are embodied.
Minister Da Silveira pointed out that the open-air museum is a successful case of cultural manifestation. It is an initiative originated in 1993 from the impulse of local artists and neighbors. Over the years, national and international creators captured their works in murals that today are part of the landscape of the town. “The museum is enjoyed walking through the streets of the town,” he said.
The initiative managed to transcend and sustain itself until it became part of the cultural landscape of Uruguay. “Today it is still very much alive, it renews itself, it expands and it summons new artists,” he added.
“When the first Heritage Day was held, the San Gregorio de Polanco open-air museum had already existed for two years. Sometimes it’s good to put things in context to see how exceptional they are,” he noted.
In addition, he considered that when artistic endeavors are developed in places with a certain natural attraction, there is a risk that both interests will interfere. However, he stressed that another aspect that makes the museum a successful experience is the way it complements cultural value with scenic beauty.
