Those who step into El Local and ask the owner, Lidia Aguiló Rumbeu, what she sells, get a quick reply: “Illusions!” All is certainly not what is seems here, and part of Aguiló’s daily work is setting the record straight. Despite curiosity, many people shy away from an open door to art. “If anyone asked me I’d be the first to admit I’m no art expert,” she exclaimed, smiling.
In fact, she had not even considered her present career until her daughter spotted an empty premises in Gràcia, and asked, “Wouldn’t you like to have your own local?” The presence of the Dubliner (Irish Cultural Centre) a few doors down gave Aguiló sufficient encouragement to try. Within a month their proposal to set up an art association in a former Italian restaurant had been accepted. They didn’t have any capital, so they renovated the interior themselves. After five months spent painting and laying wooden floors, El Local was ready to open in 2004.
El Local’s starting point was as a space that would act as a bridge between local people and art. By joining the association and paying €3 a month, anyone can make a proposal for using the space. There’s no catch. This is a venue which artists and musicians can use without having to pay upfront. “We operate on a drop-in-and-ask basis, whether it’s exhibiting art, photography, illustrations, or performing poetry, theatre or music,” said Aguiló. If accepted, the individual or group can transform their temporary home to their creative hearts content. It may look like a gallery from the outside, but be warned: this is not an art-for-profit establishment. Artists who enter with euro-tinted glasses may feel the territorial bite of a defensive owner. Those who enter humbly meet Aguiló’s willingness to accommodate or find plan B. Such as collaborating with the monks across the road to host classical/folk and rock concerts in the cloisters. Her aim is to establish links within the community in which she grew up.
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