Infected Cities #14: Madrid

This episode was broadcasted live on Thursday 21 January. Watch the recorded video here!

Repercussions of the pandemic on Madrid and the Madrilenians
Spain was one of the hardest-hit countries in Europe during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with Madrid as the epicentre of infections. After three months of one of the world’s most stringent lockdowns the country enjoyed a rapid reopening over the summer, but it has since struggled to contain a second wave of infection. In October a new national state of emergency has been declared. Moreover, Spain is one of the EU member states most affected by the economic fallout from the pandemic. What are the consequences of these crises on its inhabitants, and what lessons can be learnt from them? We will have a conversation with experts and journalists about the most pressing questions the Spanish capital is currently dealing with.

Resilience through arts and culture in Madrid
Madrid is not only the political and economic centre of Spain, but the vibrant city is also the cultural and artistic heart of the country. In this LIVECAST we offer insight into the cultural life of Madrid, and the difficulties the sector is facing in the pandemic. What is the role of culture in this unprecedented situation and what innovative projects have artists and cultural institutions initiated in the capital? We will talk with professionals from different art disciplines to discuss their hardships and inspirations, and how they create hope, connection, empowerment and solidarity.

Speakers
The moderator of this LIVECAST is Georgios Lazakis. Among others, he will be speaking with the following people:

• Maartje Bakker (correspondent Spain, De Volkskrant)
• Inmaculada Ballesteros (director Observatory for Culture and Communication of think tank Fundación Alternativas)
• Carmenchu Alemán (photographer)
• Fernando Sánchez Castillo (video artist, installation artist and sculptor)
• Laura Fernández (coordinator cultural programme Medialab Prado)
• Ronald Brouwer (artistic coordinator Teatro de La Abadía)