Speech by Christoph Pasour, director of the Master in Cultural Management
Dra. Judith Urbano, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities,
Valenti Oviedo, Director General de la Fundación de Gran Teatre del Liceu
Teachers and professors from the Faculty of Humanities,
Dear students,
Family and friends,
You are now reaching the end of this Master’s program—after less than a year—and I imagine many of you are surprised at how quickly this moment has arrived.
For many, it has been an intense time. Back in October, few of you could have imagined just how challenging this program would become.
A program, where we have aimed to equip you with the essential tools and strategies of Cultural Management. We've focused on how to do things: understanding the rules of the game, so to speak, navigating the cultural sector with knowledge and self-confidence.
But is that really all it’s about? Are we merely technicians of Culture? I have my doubts.
Because what this year should truly have been about is something different. Yes, understanding the rules of the game - but also developing the critical thinking to challenge them. To question,Tto find alternatives. Because you care not just about how we do things, but also why and for what purpose.
Art history is often told through the stories of artists, who challenged the status quo. They stood out because they did things differently, because they believed things could be done better.
Art and culture, therefore, are also spaces of resistance - resistance to a status quo, to ideology, to manipulation, to false truths. Resistance to the demand for constant efficiency and usefulness. And yes, resistance to the assumption that value in art and culture is measured only by profitability.
When you step into the cultural sector, don’t forget this: what will keep you going is not money. Never. It will be your values - what you stand for and what you believe in. Culture finds its dignity and strength from resistance through free and critical thinking, through exploring free and independent forms of expression.
In that sense, you are explorers , or rather: You are adventurers.
You are adventurers because you’ve committed to a field that is constantly evolving, where clear career paths are rare. But if culture is, as some say, just another word for life, then it makes sense that it can’t be precisely planned., right?
And many of you - coming from over 30 different countries - are adventurers because you left behind your home, your language, your culture. Family and friends may wish for your return. But you came here not only to study Cultural Management - you came to begin a new chapter of your life.
For your courage to embark on a true journey into the unknown you have our deepest respect.
None of what we have done here this year together would have been possible without our exceptional team.
In particular, Claudia – well, what can I say…You all know she is the best coordiantor in the world. The program would not be half of what it is without her.
Paloma - thank you so much for keeping this program running each day with your organizational skills and reliability – although we all know that you beloved friend TAO has to stay at home and wait for you half a day, every day.
To our dedicated teachers and professors—thank you for your professionalism, expertise, and passion. And that you’ve shared your knowledge with a new generation, that will make an impact, possibly a real difference.
To the Department of Humanities, to our center manager Ingrid Soriano, and especially to our Dean, Judith Urbano - thank you for your support. I must say, it's a significant loss for all of us that you, Judith, are stepping down as Dean of the Faculty after nine years. However, I know you have exciting plans for how you'll use your newfound freedom as a scientist. And I wish you much success and joy in this new chapter of your professional journey!
The contributions from all of you have made it possible to bring students, passionate about culture, from around the world, together here to Barcelona.
As you now prepare to leave this university, I want you to keep one message in mind:
In a world that increasingly slides backward - into a kind of Darwinian mindset where only the strongest are heard and survive, often by force - you can choose to question this new normality.
You can choose to be the alternative. You can choose to do things better. Stay true to yourself, to your values, to who you are and how you are. And let your passion for art and culture, along with your professionalism, be a powerful tool to support free thinking and freedom of expression. All the time. And everywhere.
And now - go out there. Try to make a difference.
Thank you for everything!
And good luck to all of you!
Speech by Valentí Oviedo, sponsor
Dear graduates, family members, and friends,
It is an honour for me to be part of such a meaningful moment, one that is also full of hope for all of you: the graduation ceremony.
Let us pause for a moment on the concept of the “graduation ceremony.”
Can you imagine, even for a moment, losing sight of the reference points upon which these kinds of ceremonies are built? What if we didn’t value the tradition that explains the reason behind things—traditions that help us understand and consider whether they are worth continuing or not?
Can you imagine staying only on the surface level of this ceremony—the purely aesthetic layer? And forgetting that behind this lies the value of community, of sharing, of rejoicing in one another’s success, of embracing each other with sincerity and honesty?
To be unaware of its origins is to sail without a compass; it is to lose confidence in the path we take—it may even lead to poor decisions. Forgetting, misinterpreting, or not being curious about the reasons behind things—about diving into the past to make sense of the present and to project the future—leaves us without the anchors we need to know whether our day-to-day decisions are sound, sensible, and guided by a universal ethics.
For this reason, I must tell you that, now more than ever, the degree you are graduating with today carries a huge responsibility. Culture is not just an ornament—it is what stitches together collective identity. It teaches us that the human condition, regardless of origin or age, is one and the same. Through the humanities, we converse with the past, understand the present, and envision the future. You have the responsibility and the privilege of being bridges between generations, of preserving memory, and of imagining fairer and fuller realities.
The knowledge you have gained over these years is not merely an accumulation of data; your learning will allow you to transform reality through a deeper understanding of its complexity. Only the humanities teach us to look beyond the obvious, to question what today may seem inevitable, and to search for ways to resolve the major issues and conflicts of our time.
It is said that during World War II, the UK’s Finance Minister approached Winston Churchill to tell him that the country’s financial reserves were critically low and that new budget cuts were needed—even to cultural institutions. Churchill reportedly replied, “But if we close cultural institutions, then what are we fighting for?”
At a time when the information we receive tends to reinforce our convictions and beliefs, at the cost of holistic and diverse thinking; at a time when information is infinite—everything is at our fingertips—but our ability to discern between the essential and the trivial is not always present; even at a time when we cannot be sure that the information we receive has been fully verified—your knowledge, critical thinking, and historical perspective become essential for building bridges in a society that is often increasingly polarized and fractured. And though the cracks may seem irreversible, history shows us that no matter how complex, everything can be changed.
Allow me now to go to the root of humanism. If you had to choose between Leonardo and Michelangelo, whom would you choose? A 21st-century humanist—which is what you are—would find it impossible to choose. Humanism cannot be understood with one without the other—in other words, technology/science (Leonardo) cannot be understood without Art (Michelangelo). That is why today, your knowledge and sensibility are indispensable in a world where technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, but where—without ethics, critical thinking, and philosophy—the path ahead can become long and hard.
Finally, I ask that you, as much as you can, make culture, art, philosophy, music, and literature accessible to as many people as possible—and especially to those who have the least access. Adding history and art to our intellectual toolkit gives us an advantage that helps create equal opportunities for all.
For some, the humanities are nothing more than a glossy supplement to knowledge—let them think so. But we know that the humanities, integrated into every stage of life, are the central axis that will determine whether or not we live in a better world.
Take on this responsibility as a privilege, and lead 21st-century humanism with determination, confidence, humility, and purpose.
Thank you very much, and congratulations.
Speech by the students of the Degree in Humanities
Good afternoon, esteemed faculty members, parents, friends, and of course, dear classmates,
Today, we joyfully celebrate our graduation in Humanities and Cultural Studies. This moment marks the end of our university time after years of dedication and effort.
It feels like only yesterday we were sitting in these very seats, filled with nerves and uncertainty, wondering what awaited us in the classrooms of UIC. Over time, this university has become a second home. Here, we’ve faced challenges that have helped us grow and prepared us for the next stage of life. We’ll never forget the endless (yet brilliant) literature exams from Jordi Bermejo, the fast-paced and passionate lectures of Marta Crispí, the weekly literary insights from Teresa Vallès , our friend Javi’s famously unfunny jokes, the mischief of Ïu, or the collective wrist strain brought on by new assessment methods in response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
We are undoubtedly privileged to have studied Humanities. Not everyone has the opportunity to spend class time discussing the ideas in a book, exploring the historical context of a painting, or debating the dilemmas that arise from diverse perspectives. But above all, the greatest privilege has been learning from our lecturers. They have not only shared their knowledge, but also their passion with us in every class.
Over the years, our lecturers have encouraged us to explore what it means to be human and to understand the world we live in. We have engaged with history, art, literature, and philosophy, and in doing so, we’ve developed new interests and questions about life and our place in it. One question that has come up time and again is, “Why study the Humanities?” Rather than attempt a definitive answer, we thought it best to quote our vice-dean, Albert Moya. He has reminded us more than once during these four years that "culture is a way to intensify life." In other words, culture is not simply an escape or a pastime, it is a way to engage more deeply with the present and the world around us. The Humanities are not just a collection of general knowledge subjects designed to make us appear cultured. They are much more than that.
In a world that often prioritises productivity and utility, it is natural to feel some anxiety about our professional future. Today, careers in science, technology, and business tend to receive more attention. Our path, by contrast, may seem less certain. For many of us, the future remains an open question. Even so, we believe that what we have studied has not been a waste of time, but quite the contrary. The cultural richness we have gained can not only lead to meaningful careers if nurtured with care, but also contribute positively to society. We have learned that looking to the past is essential for making sense of the present and preparing for the future.
To our lecturers: thank you. We may not have always realised how fortunate we were to be taught by people who truly love what they do. Thank you for taking your passion seriously and sharing it with us every day. It’s not easy to say goodbye after four years, but we will always be proud to say that you were our Humanities lecturers at UIC.
We also want to thank Ingrid and the Humanities Secretary, whose quiet dedication and patience have made these university years much smoother. And thank you to Judith, our dean, and Albert, our vice-dean, not only for teaching us but also for leading the programme with such warmth and approachability.
I feel proud, at peace, and happy to have studied this degree. Even without a clear professional path ahead, I know that continuing to explore the Humanities is something I want to pursue. After four years, I feel marked by a stamp; one I hope never fades. It is the brand of curiosity, of asking why, of tradition, of reading and writing. Because now, it no longer means the same thing to me to read a book or not, to write something myself or copy it, to seek meaning or to remain indifferent. And I discovered this here, in this degree, with these lecturers. For that, I am deeply grateful.
I wanted to quote here, in relation to tradition and the past, the words of a man who has had a strong impact on my life. Don Giussani speaks of tradition like this: "Knowingly embracing tradition offers a holistic view of reality. It offers a hypothesis concerning meaning and an image of destiny. [...] Tradition is like a working hypothesis which nature uses to launch people into the comparison against all things." I find it beautiful to think that tradition (all those old works and long-gone authors) is what allows humanity from the present, to search for meaning and strive for a better society.
We especially wanted to mention parents today; simply by giving us life, loving us, caring for us, and guiding us all these years, you already deserve endless praise. Even if we don’t always express it well, we want you to know how grateful we are for your patience and unconditional support. We dedicate today’s small but meaningful achievement to you.
A special thank you to Victoria, our class representative for all four years. That alone speaks volumes about your sense of responsibility, service, and commitment. We are so happy that you have represented us, with kindness, understanding, humour, and a great relationship with our lecturers. We are truly grateful.
Thank you, Uri, and of course, thank you to the class for your patience and trust in me. It has been both a pleasure and a challenge to be your representative.
And finally, a special greeting to all my classmates. Over time, a quiet affection has grown among us, and it’s heartening to see. In the beginning, it wasn’t clear whether unity or friendship would form, but it has. Despite our differences and imperfections, we’ve built a bond that we can be proud of. Now, our daily routines together come to an end. Some of us will stay, others will move away, some will continue studying, and others will begin working. Even as we go our separate ways, I encourage you to stay in touch (though I know communication can be hard). Let’s meet for dinner now and then, suggest cultural outings, share news, and celebrate each other’s milestones. Who knows what the future holds for this Humanities class?
Classmates, I hope you never lose the sensitivity that defines us as humanists. Don’t forget the importance of connecting with the essence of being. Let’s apply the critical thinking we’ve developed and not be afraid to question the world around us, no matter how established certain ideas may seem. Take every opportunity to grow, to go further, and to take risks. Dare to step out of your comfort zone and explore other ideas, other cultures. Above all, wherever life takes you, I hope you go with passion, achieve great things, and find true happiness.
And when nostalgia brings back memories of these days, may they fill you with warmth and affection for all the good moments we’ve shared. Celebrate this milestone; it marks a remarkable achievement.
Without further ado, congratulations humanists. Thank you very much.
Speech by the students of the Master in Cultural Management - Spanish
Good afternoon, it is an honour to be here at this special moment for everyone. Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the end of the academic year and the beginning of a new path with many opportunities ahead.
First of all, we want to thank all the families and friends who are here with us today for their support and care. All the effort and dedication we have invested during the year would have been much more complicated without your encouragement. Many of you have come from far away to be here today and to celebrate this day together; we thank you for that and so much more.
Of course, we could not stand on this stage without the help of each and every one of the lecturers who have accompanied us over the past nine months. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, commitment, and even patience. They have shared not only knowledge, but also life experience with us and imparted a great passion for culture and its management.
We may always remember how to develop a marketing plan, but more importantly, we will never forget to look at culture not only as a vocation, but as a living, complex, and challenging structure. Thank you for teaching us to understand the nuances of this beautiful wide-reaching field, and for accompanying us on our path to deciphering it. This personal and inspirational support has made us feel part of something bigger; caring for society and a world of stories that we create and share. It is also a film in which “Fixed Costs” are the great villain of cultural management.
But it is not only the teachers who have seen us at our best and worst moments. Claudia, Paloma, Christoph, thank you. If we were given a credit for every time we came running to your offices, I don't know about my classmates, but I wouldn't have needed to take a single exam this year. We know it has not been easy to coordinate everything for us, and the effort and support that we have felt from you at all times is worthy of applause. A special mention for Paloma, our programme heroine when the lecturers forgot to finish their class on time, and a warm hello to her dog Tao.
We started this course with many questions and some certainties, but today we leave with our own tools and a broader vision of the world of culture. The past months have been intense, but we have had a very active learning experience: from class debates to museum visits and cultural centres to listening to renowned professionals in the sector and facing the challenge of designing future projects with excitement and trepidation. Each module has played an important part in the process: analysing cultural policies; devising creative communication campaigns and developing financing and profitability plans. And yes, we often find that we end up making closer friends with Excel spreadsheets that we expected, even though this is something that rarely gets mentioned.
Managing the cultural sector is full of challenges; you have to learn to navigate ambiguous regulations, tight budgets, diverse audiences, last-minute changes, thousands of unanswered emails and spreadsheets that mysteriously corrupt. Culture is as diverse as each individual who forms a part of it. If one concept were to define this year, it would be diversity. We come from different countries, education and backgrounds, and yet, we have built something together. We have listened to each other, we have discussed ideas, we have supported each other in group work (even in those that seemed impossible to deliver) and we have learned something essential – the essence of culture is human relationships.
Although it has been brief, our time at the faculty has been full of ups and downs and intense emotions. We have laughed and we have cried. But above all, we have shared experiences between us. Our last thank you is to us, this group of classmates. Besides being cultural professionals, you are all empathetic, kind individuals that have contributed to our shared enrichment. You have a long career ahead of you that has only just begun, and all your future working teams will be fortunate to share experiences with you. We are looking forward to seeing how far you go as managers, and proud of the step we are all taking together today.
Cultural management is a valuable profession; it is a commitment to the symbolic, it opens spaces for dialogue and experiences, it takes care of the heritage that builds and identifies us and creates narratives that include all of us. We manage ideas, people, and contexts. In times of crisis or transformation, we will be the ones who keep questions alive, facilitate encounters and take care of art, culture and all that which gives meaning to what we share as a society.
And now a final thank you for listening to us. We say goodbye to this stage in our lives with the desire to apply what we have learned, to continue questioning, creating, and caring for culture wherever we are. We hope to always have a critical eye along with the sensitivity and collaborative spirit this master’s degree has instilled in us. May this ending also be a beginning full of projects, challenges... and yes, also some Excel spreadsheets.
Thank you for this shared journey and may culture always be the place where we meet again.
Speech by the students of the Master in Cultural Management - English
Marie:
Dear Faculty members, fellow students, family, and friends – welcome!
Last autumn, we all arrived in Barcelona. For many of us it was a city of unknown streets and unfamiliar faces. We came from different corners of the world, with our own stories and backgrounds, united by curiosity and a shared purpose.
Jennifer:
I still remember those first weeks, figuring out Barcelona’s buses and metros, changing apartments, and learning which tapas bars served the best patatas bravas.
Between birthday drinks, late-night group projects, and running into each other unexpectedly around the city, unfamiliar faces quickly became familiar ones.
Before we knew it, Barcelona started to feel like home. And somehow, in what feels like both the blink of an eye and a lifetime, that chapter is now coming to a close.
Marie:
As we celebrate, I’m filled with gratitude – not just for everything we’ve achieved, but for the friendships and growth we’ve shared. By bringing together such a diverse and talented group from all over the world, UIC Barcelona created a community that made the experience truly unforgettable – from lively classroom discussions to exploring the city’s rich cultural scene.
Jennifer:
Of course, none of this would have been possible without our lecturers.
Their passion for art and culture has been palpable from day one. They have done much more than just teach; they have opened doors for us to experience culture in exciting new ways. From personalised architectural tours around Barcelona with Mohammed, to exploring the historical archives at Filmoteca de Catalunya with Christoph and Claudia. Alongside other activities, these real-world experiences bridged the gap between theory and practice and guided us toward our future careers.
Marie:
This year has shaped us in countless ways beyond academia. We’ve been introduced to a rich palette of arts and culture – from history and art to traditions and people. Many of us grew during our work placements, learning how to apply our knowledge in real-world settings and seeing how culture truly comes alive in professional spaces.
Along the way, we gained new skills, discovered strengths we didn’t know we had, and pushed ourselves further than we thought possible. Watching everyone grow both professionally and personally has been one of the greatest rewards of this experience.
Jennifer:
Making the daily journey up the hill to UIC, even when it felt like a challenge, was a constant reminder of what we can accomplish. We were often rewarded with stunning views of Barcelona and sunsets that marked the end of each day. These meaningful moments will stay with us well into the future.
Marie:
As our journey here ends, we’re especially grateful to those who stood by us along the way. To our families and friends – thank you!
Throughout the master’s programme, no matter the distance between us, your support meant everything.
On this special day, whether you are with us in person or cheering us on from afar, your continued belief in us is the foundation on which we build our futures.
You stood by us through the highs and lows of this journey, and we couldn’t have made it here without your love, encouragement and constant support.
Jennifer:
As we move forward, I’m reminded of something Meg Jay, clinical psychologist and author of The Defining Decade, once wrote:
“The future isn’t written in the stars. There are no guarantees. So claim your adulthood. Be intentional. Get to work. Pick your family. Do the math. Make your own certainty. Don’t be defined by what you didn’t know or didn’t do. You are deciding your life right now.”
Marie:
Let’s carry this lesson with us as we take the next step. Let’s continue to be open to new ideas and embrace the challenges that come our way. I’m excited to see where everyone ends up – whether here in Barcelona or far across the globe.
As renowned poet Maya Angelou once said,
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this incredible journey.
Today, 38 cultural managers step into the world, ready to leave our mark and shape what’s to come. Congratulations to all of us.
Both of us:
Here’s to the Class of 2025!
Speech by Judith Urbano, dean of the faculty
Dear students, family and friends
I would like to thank everyone here today for joining us and supporting our students on such a special occasion. First, I would like to address our dear undergraduate students, who are closing an important chapter of their lives today and beginning another one that is just as significant. Today is a day of celebration. We are proud that you’ve made it this far, proud to see how you’ve grown as individuals – though we will certainly miss you. I will cherish many moments, especially those we shared during our trips, where we got to know each other better and had a wonderful time together. So, I want to congratulate you and wish you the very best of luck. Wherever life takes you, I hope you remember where you were educated, the knowledge you’ve gained, and the values we’ve tried to instil in you. Within the faculty, we often remark on the remarkable transformation each of you undergoes from your first year to your final year, and it brings us great joy to witness that personal growth. As Dr Albert Moya always says, the humanities are a transformative degree.
I also want to thank you for the affection and kind words you’ve shared with me during these final days of class – and indeed, throughout all the years you’ve been here. You are truly excellent students and, more importantly, wonderful people; and as you know, that is what truly matters.
I hope the humanistic imprint we have nurtured in you is evident, and that you do not give in to the superficiality and frivolity of the world around us.
And what can I say about your lecturers? What incredible teachers you’ve had the good fortune to learn from! Beyond culture and knowledge, they have also passed on values. That’s why I want to thank them publicly and wholeheartedly all for the effort they put in every day to do their jobs so well. Now, it is your turn to give something back to society.
I would also like to say a few words to the parents, who allowed their children to pursue a degree in the Humanities. This is truly commendable in today’s society, where only what yields immediate results or leads to financial gain seems to be valued. So, thank you for going against the grain and placing your trust in the education offered at UIC Barcelona.
We are confident that by allowing your children to study what they are truly passionate about, you have made them happier, more self-assured, and more cultured. You are likely the parents of the young people who read the most in the world; be proud of that, defend it, and boast about your sons and daughters. They deserve it.
We would also like to thank the master’s students and their families for the faith they have placed in our institution. The master’s degree represents quality, a secure and established programme that has been successfully taught at UIC Barcelona for 24 years. I would like to highlight the work of the director, Christoph Pasour. We are absolutely delighted with your great dedication, your leadership style, your tireless work and your exquisite human treatment. Thank you very much for being part of our team and always making everything so easy.
I also want to thank the course coordinator, Claudia Balboa, for her work, her organisation and ideas. Without her, this successful master’s course would be impossible.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Estela Arruego and Paloma Carballal for their work in the faculty office. Their daily tasks and dedication are essential to the smooth running of our faculty.
As always, I must highlight the work of the two people who help me keep everything running smoothly, as you all know very well. The faculty manager, Íngrid Soriano, and the vice dean, Dr Albert Moya. I want to thank them for their support, their help, their day-to-day dedication, their good humour, and their positive and service-minded spirit. Please join me in giving them a round of applause.
Dear students, once this ceremony concludes, you will officially become alumni of UIC Barcelona. You’ll be hearing from us, and every year we’ll be delighted to welcome you back at the Humanities Alumni gathering we hold each May. We’ll be thrilled to hear how you’re doing, to learn about your new projects, and to stay connected.
Thank you for these years, and many congratulations!
