SALAMANCA.- Rodrigo Tamariz, the artistic director of the International Festival of the Arts of Castilla y León (FÀCYL), is always attentive to every detail of the event and the guests. His energy and passion are palpable as he tours the various stages and activities, so that from June 13th to the 16th everything went smoothly and each performance was memorable in the charming city of Salamanca.

With a discerning eye and focus on innovation, he not only oversees logistics, but also actively interacts with artists and attendees, listens to feedback, and continually improves the festival experience. Such dedication and commitment reflect his desire to create a vibrant and dynamic cultural space to celebrate the confluences of tradition and modernity.

In the Latin American context, the pioneer of mapping in Spain is a true artist in motion, busy and concerned with collaborating with learning opportunities about the link between arts and digital technologies. From the small laboratory of a class to the management of a festival spread across a famous city, there is a long way, and we talked about it.

—Could you tell us about the festival's production process?

—The FÀCYL production process is really hard work that can last up to a year, even with some shows planned for a year and a half. Our goal is to create programming that is accessible and attractive to a global audience, from zero to 99 years and older. I strive to make this festival modern, with its productions that include both international and national companies. The key is to listen to all participants and continually improve. FÀCYL is light, movement, and color, and we want it to be reflected in every aspect of the festival.

—Salamanca is a city with a rich tradition and a great tourist attraction. How is the diversity of the public managed?

—Salamanca, with its traditional architecture and vibrant student life, is the perfect setting for a festival like FÀCYL. Our challenge is to attract an international audience without leaving aside local inhabitants and students. We try to offer varied programming that includes music, literature, and more. We want the cultural current that we create here to encompass all the arts and reach every corner of the city, always with a lot of work and dedication. The goal is to adapt to new trends without forgetting our historical roots.

—This year a video mapping show has been included with works created by children. How did this initiative come about and what impact do you hope it will have?

—The children's video mapping show is one of our most exciting initiatives. More than a thousand children participated in an illustration activity, of which 30 were selected to create this show. They worked alongside professional artists to see their creations projected on the façade of Salamanca City Hall. This not only encourages creativity from an early age but also connects young people with high technology applied to the performing arts. We want children to see the result of their work and feel part of this great festival, creating new audiences and nurturing their interest in the arts.

—Technology plays an important role in FÀCYL. How do you balance tradition with new technologies?

—Salamanca has impressive traditional architecture, but its student population brings an avant-garde spirit. At FÀCYL we use modern technologies to create shows that are both visual and narrative. Technology can be humanized and romanticized, and we believe it can spark a deep emotional connection with audiences. It is important that artists think about how their work will be perceived, and that the public can understand and feel that work. This balance between old and new is what makes the festival so special.

—What learnings have you had since last year when you assumed the artistic direction of FÀCYL and how do they influence this year's programming?

—Every year is an opportunity to learn and improve. Audience feedback is crucial to us and helps us adapt our programming. As director, I have seen how audience reactions can guide us to offer more innovative and exciting shows. Work on the festival doesn't stop; we are always thinking of new ideas and collaborations for next year. From the moment the festival ends, we are already working on the next edition, connecting with artists and planning how to overcome the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that arise.

—To conclude, what is your vision for FÀCYL?

—That it continues to be a cultural reference both nationally and internationally. We want the public to perceive the festival as an essential part of the cultural fabric of Castilla y León. It is essential to thank the public because without them our work would have no meaning. We want the FÀCYL to be recognized for its light, movement, and color, and for people to associate these elements with our identity and for us to increase that social awareness. We will continue to dedicate ourselves completely to this work, with the collaboration of a committed team so that it can be enjoyed. So, when people see a yellow, I would love for them to recognize it as the FÀCYL. We have to taste yellow, both in taste and in the synesthesia of colors, as in seeing it, touching it, tasting it. FÀCYL is avant-garde.

Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez