Between June 17 and 20, the city of Valencia served as the vibrant hub for the 18th Latin American Opera Assembly (OLA), held at the prestigious Palau de Les Arts. This significant gathering brought together representatives from over 50 theaters and festivals across Latin America, Spain, and the United States. The conference, themed “Theaters: Audiences and Ideas of the Future,” delved into critical topics such as engaging audiences, addressing future challenges, and ensuring the organizational, structural, and artistic sustainability of performing arts institutions. The event saw participation from a diverse group of theater directors, artist managers, and specialists within the Opera Latinoamérica network.
Paulina Ricciardi, the executive director of the Latin American Opera Assembly, highlighted the event’s objectives in a press statement: “The 18th OLA Conference provides a vital platform for exploring and reflecting on the evolving role of our organizations in contemporary society. This year, we are emphasizing artistic programming and the sustainable growth of theaters, festivals, and companies. Additionally, we are focusing inward on adapting to modern challenges, including promoting female leadership and advancing the professional development of individuals in the performing arts. This gathering also underscores our commitment to reinforcing existing foundations, encouraging collaboration, exchange, and co-production among network members and with other partnering institutions.”
The assembly featured a series of discussions and workshops aimed at fostering innovative strategies for audience engagement and exploring new artistic directions. Panels addressed the integration of digital platforms to expand reach and the importance of inclusive programming to reflect diverse communities. Participants also examined case studies of successful co-productions, highlighting how collaboration can enhance resource efficiency and artistic impact. The focus on female leadership sparked meaningful conversations about gender equity in decision-making roles within the opera and theater sectors.
Networking opportunities were a cornerstone of the event, allowing attendees to forge partnerships and share best practices. The Opera Latinoamérica network emphasized its role as a catalyst for regional and international cooperation, aiming to strengthen the cultural ecosystem of opera in the Americas and beyond. By the conclusion of the conference on June 20, participants left Valencia with renewed inspiration and actionable insights to navigate the evolving landscape of the performing arts, committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive future for their organizations.
