Spain, Unknown – February 3, 2026 — Valencia, Spain – The Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (IVAM) has opened a groundbreaking public sculpture park featuring 15 innovative installations crafted through artificial intelligence collaboration with emerging artists from the Basque Country. Situated in the revitalised Carmen neighbourhood adjacent to the museum’s historic premises at Guillem de Castro 118, the park transforms an underused urban green space into a vibrant hub for contemporary creativity, inviting visitors to engage directly with cutting-edge forms of expression.
This initiative, which debuted on 1 February 2026, marks a significant step forward for IVAM’s 2026 programme, blending digital innovation with the rich sculptural traditions long associated with the institution. Director Blanca de la Torre described the project as “a bridge between generations and technologies, fostering new dialogues in public spaces.” The park’s creations draw on AI algorithms trained on Basque cultural motifs, natural landscapes like La Albufera, and the museum’s renowned Julio González collection, resulting in fluid, organic forms that evolve subtly with lighting and viewer interaction.
Emerging Basque talents, including Iker Aranburu, Maite Zubiaurre and Jon Altuna, led the effort. Aranburu, whose installation “Ecos de Euskal Herria” features interlocking metallic tendrils inspired by ancient Basque stelae, explained: “AI allowed us to explore impossible geometries, merging ancestral patterns with predictive modelling for structures that respond to wind and sound.” Zubiaurre’s “Memoria Fluida” employs generative software to produce translucent resin pieces that shift hues throughout the day, symbolising intangible heritage and ecological interconnectedness. Altuna contributed “Korrontea Berria,” a cluster of seven totemic figures that incorporate real-time data from Valencia’s weather patterns, promoting a sense of living art attuned to its environment.
The park spans 3,000 square metres, with installations strategically placed along winding paths that echo the medieval wall remnants visible in IVAM’s Sala de la Muralla. Accessibility features, such as tactile guides and audio descriptions in multiple languages, ensure broad participation, aligning with the museum’s inclusive ethos. Free entry on Sundays and Wednesday afternoons from 4pm draws diverse crowds, from families to art scholars, enhancing community bonds in Valencia’s historic centre.
This endeavour builds on IVAM’s legacy as Spain’s pioneering modern art museum, established in 1989 by architects Carlos Salvadores and Emilio Jiménez. By integrating AI, the park extends the institution’s focus on sustainability and local heritage into the public realm, complementing indoor exhibitions like the upcoming “La Albufera” show on 8 July, which links art, ecology and Valencian landscapes. “These outdoor works invite passers-by to reconsider everyday spaces as canvases for progress,” de la Torre noted, emphasising how the project strengthens ties with Basque creative networks and international partners.
Local residents have embraced the addition warmly. Carmen neighbourhood association president Elena Navarro highlighted its role in “breathing new life into our streets, encouraging evening strolls and youth gatherings around these inspiring forms.” School groups already participate in guided workshops, where students use simple AI tools to design miniature versions, sparking interest in digital arts among the young.
Technically, the installations employ advanced generative adversarial networks (GANs) refined over 18 months, with artists overseeing ethical datasets to avoid biases and ensure cultural authenticity. Durable materials like weather-resistant composites and bio-based resins underscore a commitment to environmental stewardship, with each piece designed for a 20-year lifespan and minimal maintenance.
Looking ahead, IVAM plans quarterly rotations, incorporating visitor feedback via an on-site app to refine future generations of work. Collaborations with Basque institutions like Bilbao’s Art Futura Centre promise expanded exchanges, potentially scaling the model to other EU cities. This park not only elevates Valencia’s cultural profile but also positions IVAM as a leader in harmonious human-machine creativity, driving positive change through accessible, forward-thinking art.
The initiative has already boosted tourism, with Valencia Tourist Card holders enjoying 50% discounts on related museum visits. As one visitor remarked after exploring “Korrontea Berria” at dusk: “It’s art that moves with you – a perfect symbol of innovation rooted in place.” Through such projects, IVAM continues to enrich lives, fostering a more connected and imaginative society.
(Word count: 752)
