The students from the Bachelor's Degree in Humanities and Cultural Studies and the Master's Degree in Cultural Management, closed their university chapter with a graduation ceremony that could, in the end, be held in person in the Aula Magna at UIC Barcelona.

The director of the University Master's Degree in Cultural Management, Marta Crispí, opened the event by highlighting the complexity of an academic year that has transpired in the shadow of the pandemic, not only in terms of university life, but also in terms of the cultural sector. In this regard, Crispí acknowledged the crucial role that culture played during the months of lockdown, but also pointed out the difficulties the sector has suffered as a result of the prevalence of face-to-face formats. “The future of the cultural sector will depend on the digital transformation of cultural institutions and companies, which will lead to hybridised experiences that reinvent the sector”, explained the Master’s degree director, stressing that formulas must be sought to ensure the survival of the sector’s key institutions and to enable the creation of more sustainable organisations.

Then, the director of the Spanish National Council for Culture and the Arts (CONCA), Vinyet Panyella gave a speech in which she spoke from her extensive experience in executive and managerial roles in the field of cultural heritage documentation. Panyella reflected on the cultural world, which, she assured, “rises from the ashes following each crisis and is presented with many opportunities despite today’s uncertainties”. The CONCA director also discussed the transformation of the cultural ecosystem following the outbreak of COVID-19, with mixed feelings: “The pandemic has accelerated the paradigm shift, but as we return to normal life we have also seen the return of problems that are endemic to the sector –governance, financing, and real precariousness.” She concluded that “we must embrace the looming digital transformation and greet, accept and integrate the infinite possibilities it can offer us.” Panyella closed her speech with a final statement: “Culture, in any of its forms, is a key to unlocking happiness.”

Next, Jorge Bonet, class representative of the graduates of the Bachelor's Degree in Humanities and Cultural Studies, highlighted the knowledge they have acquired during these four years at the Faculty and the opportunity they have been given to broaden the view they had of the world when they arrived at the University. "We have learned to open our eyes to new possibilities emerging around us, which are waiting to be discovered on this uncharted ground we are treading", he exclaimed.

There was also time for the class representatives of the University Master's Degree in Cultural Management to speak. Regarding the English Programme, Allison Clement stated that, despite the pandemic, Barcelona has been a wonderful environment to study in and learn about its culture: “We all came from different backgrounds, but we were united by our love for arts and culture.” Regarding the Spanish programme, Karen Samudio expressed her appreciation for the lessons they are taking away with them: “For us as cultural managers, immersing ourselves in such treasured subjects has brought our souls, minds and spirits to life”.