In this collective interview, we will meet the community behind the Centru d’Investigación y Ecomuséu La Ponte, whose office is located in the Villanueva de Santo Adriano Technological Village (Villanueva de Santo Adriano, Asturias). Directed by Jesús Fernández Fernández from the University of Oviedo, La Ponte is an ecomuseum and research space focused on diverse topics such as history, archaeology, cultural studies, and heritage, driven by people connected to the territory through activities like cultural tours, among others.
Since 2013, it has organized annual Heritage Cultural Days in collaboration with various universities and public and private institutions that provide support and economic cooperation. In 2016, it was awarded the international prize Leading Culture Destination, in the Best Soft Power Cultural District category. This is added to its recognition in 2019 with the Hispania Nostra Award for Good Practices in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage within the "Territorial Intervention or Landscape" category.
In addition to all this, the Center publishes the scientific journal Cuadiernu, specialized in topics such as heritage, social museology, memory, and territory, which is open access and available both in print and online, with an annual frequency.
- The first thing that catches our attention is the term "ecomuseum," what does it really mean? Why this denomination? Responds Jesús Fernández Fernández.
An ecomuseum is a unique form of museum that in its name combines two concepts, the prefix eco-, which comes from the Greek oikos (house, environment), and museum, understood as the space dedicated to research, conservation, interpretation, and transmission of heritage. Thus, an ecomuseum is literally a museum of the “home,” understanding here casa as that common historical territory inhabited by a community. Therefore, unlike conventional museums, the ecomuseum does not limit itself to a building or a collection of objects but is interested in all the heritage of a territory: its historical, material and intangible heritage, its landscapes, and especially its inhabitants and their knowledge. Its goal is to research, manage, and disseminate these heritages from a social, sustainable, and participatory perspective.
In our case, we simplify the definition: the ecomuseum is a shared tool for custodianship of the heritage and collective memory of a territory.
Furthermore, we understand the ecomuseum as an effective tool to hybridize science produced in the academic sphere with local communities, their heritages, and knowledge. As a space of knowledge production, the ecomuseum generates new questions and lines of research that, in many cases, have a very applied orientation. This requires putting ideas into practice, experimenting with methodologies, and collaborating in different ways. That is why we refer to it as an “experimental process”: an environment for learning and reflection on scientific practice, which develops recursively and constantly dialogues with other forms of non-academic knowledge, including art and artistic research processes. We put into practice what has been called the "dialogue of knowledges."
For all these reasons, we have refined our denomination to its current form: Centro de Investigación y Ecomuseo La Ponte or Centru d’Investigación and Ecomuséu in Asturian.
- What can a visitor expect when visiting the Ecomuséu La Ponte? What experiences and activities does it offer? Responds Carmen Pérez Maestro
One of the characteristics of La Ponte is that it has a broad and diverse human component, and this condition makes its potential for knowledge plural. Most of the activities carried out since its inception in 2013 are framed within what is called science dissemination, those aimed at making scientific knowledge accessible to people, as part of our work is immersed in academia. But it is also a project that recognizes from within local knowledge as a valid method and form of knowledge with which science engages horizontally and equally transmitted through its activities. On the other hand, it also carries out actions of technology transfer considered as a practice involved with social innovation models. We can group the different dissemination and knowledge transfer strategies put into practice by La Ponte in three main blocks:
1) Cultural tours oriented to disseminate and promote local heritage elements, as well as organizing participatory workshops related to local traditions;
2) The transfer of patrimonial studies through the annual cultural days and by means of the publication Cuadiernu, an international journal on heritage, social museology, memory, and territory;
3) The own public, community, and open orientation of research carried out from the ecomuseum itself.
Regarding the first point, to give a certain coherence and articulation to the various heritage resources present in the territory of Santu Adrianu, one of the activities developed by the ecomuséu are thematic guided cultural tours led by team members with experience in the sciences involved in these cultural elements (archaeology, history, art history). With them, access to sites and places is sought, the approach of scientific culture to citizens, and the social and identity valuation of local heritage.
The revaluation of rural culture is a continuously present aspect in the activities carried out by the ecomuséu. In this sense, research on peasant life, itineraries through elements of peasant culture, are complemented with workshops aimed at recovering local traditions thanks to local wisdom, among them the workshop on fogazas, the one on traditional games such as shooting the palu or the sack race panoyas, traditional music and dance from Asturias, painting of horreos, etc... which have reinforced identity ties and appreciation for rural life.
- How and when did the idea of Centru d’Investigación y Ecomuséu La Ponte arise? Was there any event or specific need that spurred its creation? Responded Sofía González Sandoval
La Ponte was born in 2011 in the municipality of Santo Adriano, a rural territory located in Asturias, Spain. Although Asturias possesses numerous natural and cultural riches, it is one of the regions of Spain currently most threatened by depopulation. This phenomenon occurs at a national level and represents not only an important economic problem but also the loss and disappearance of material and intangible heritage, ancestral knowledge of communities, and local ecosystems dependent on human activity. La Ponte is not a building where art pieces or relics are exhibited; rather, it is an initiative that works directly with the Asturian rural territory: its nature, landscapes, its material and immaterial heritage, and its local population (with all their customs, traditions, and identity) form the ecomuseum. Unlike traditional museums that prioritize programs to attract tourism (especially foreign in Spain's case), it prioritizes community participation in all its activities. An example of this is the activities of its Heritage Plan, as 80% of the people who participate in guided tours, artisan workshops, and cultural events organized by La Ponte come from Asturias, especially Oviedo, Avilés, Gijón, Langreo, Mieres, and Llanes.
It is important to highlight that the activities of the Heritage Plan and Cultural Routes are not simple recreational activities but aim to offer an educational and immersive experience in the rural territory that strengthens the bond between visitors, local residents, their territory, and cultural heritage, fostering respect for these territories and their population. But also respect from the local population towards themselves, as many times their own culture and knowledge are perceived negatively by those who carry this knowledge. This approach represents valuable contributions to reconfiguring the rural tourism field, as it opts for sustainable tourism respectful of local life and motivating the preservation of Asturian cultural landscapes. The ecomuseum speaks about building new narratives on what is rural and presents itself as a place from where to do so.
- In what way does the local community participate in decision-making and activities at the Ecomuséu? Could you share concrete examples of this collaboration? Responded Sofía Gonzalez Sandoval
Through its internal work and practices, La Ponte promotes citizen participation in two specific ways:
- Implementing the principles of the Faro Convention in our Heritage Plan:
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, the Faro Convention establishes that “Cultural heritage forms part of citizens’ right to participate in cultural life and is a resource for human development, valorization of cultural diversity and promotion of intercultural dialogue, as well as a model of sustainable economic development. The Faro Convention also seeks to promote access to digital technology and its use in the context of cultural heritage (MAUC, 2022).” Under these principles, La-Ponte actively involves the local community in the conservation of their heritage and empowers them to become custodians of their own legacy by fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging. In a rural context, this is an innovative methodology that invites the community to propose and organize activities (talks, workshops, dialogue tables, etc.) that help conserve and disseminate Asturian material and intangible heritage. It's important to note that executive positions and staff are all local people. This isn't about teams from outside the territory. - Fostering citizen participation through internal practices: it operates following an associative model that is open and functions via assemblies. Strategic decisions are taken in these assemblies every 6 or 12 months. This assembly delegates technical decisions to the team coordinating the ecomuseum (5 people). In Article 25 of the La Ponte association, and by mandate of the General Assembly on November 11, 2016, La-Ponte considers all persons registered in the municipality of Santo Adriano as honorary members. Ecomuseum members enjoy special rights such as: participating in decision-making about ecomuseum work lines, proposing new activities, projects, and collaborations, and participating in each of the activities and events of La Ponte.
- Has it produced real change in the community? Responded Jesús Fernández Fernández.
Without a doubt. To assess changes, one must evaluate the initial situation and the current one and compare them. This can be done in two ways: through quantitative and qualitative instruments. In terms of quantifiable measures, it's easier to compare. We have created three direct jobs, which represents a concrete and visible contribution; before there were none. Additionally, activities such as archaeological excavations or workshops attract numerous people to the territory, who stay and spend money in bars, shops, etc. Although it is not always possible to quantify this precisely, the changes and benefits are evident. Cultural contributions are also tangible. For years, cultural offerings in the area were limited to what we proposed; now there are more alternatives. Furthermore, we have programs focused on specific groups, such as the elderly or youth, which generate qualitative benefits for these populations. These programs improve their quality of life and well-being, especially in terms of mental health, being particularly relevant for vulnerable groups like the elderly, who often face the risk of unwanted loneliness. These are just some examples.
- Your motto is Action+Community+Heritage+Development, could you explain to our readers how these concepts materialize in the daily activities of the Ecomuséu? Responded María José Tudela
Our motto, Action + Community + Heritage + Development, is deeply reflected in each and every one of the daily activities we carry out, being more than words, a practical and effective guide in our everyday work.
Action: The active involvement of the local community is fundamental. The itineraries mentioned earlier allow residents to explore and better understand their own heritage. Additionally, we undertake ambitious projects both for dissemination and research, carried out from and for the community. A notable example is the Butterfly Land project, where women from the municipality traveled together to France to recover and value their historical memory. Such initiatives empower people, transforming them into active agents in the conservation and promotion of their cultural legacy.
Community: We invite neighbors to be an active part of our daily activities, such as creating collaborative networks with neighboring municipalities. For instance, we have held meetings with entities like El Xiblu in Teverga, where agriculture and coal memory are addressed, topics deeply rooted in our culture. We also work closely with the local public school, integrating young people into the transmission and appreciation of our traditions.
Heritage: Our commitment is to conserve both Asturian material and intangible heritage, all organized with active community participation. The fact that executive positions and the working team are people who live in the territory reinforces this direct connection with the heritage, ensuring that actions taken reflect and respect authentic traditions of the area.
Development: Research plays a key role in our approach, helping to value heritage as a strategic tool for influencing institutions and promoting comprehensive development of the municipality. This approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also drives economic and social progress, ensuring that our community grows while maintaining its cultural roots alive.
In summary, every action we undertake seeks to integrate these four pillars, creating a virtuous cycle where the community conserves its heritage while advancing towards a more prosperous future conscious of its roots.
- As with any project, there are always obstacles and challenges. Which ones have you faced along the way and how did you overcome them? Responded Carmen Pérez Maestro
Relations with administration in all citizen projects depend on political will at the moment. In our case, La Ponte-Ecomuséu expressed interest in managing two rock shelters declared Cultural Heritage of Interest, which were closed to the public and in a state of abandonment. Their goal was to rehabilitate the space and turn it into a resource for local development and economic activity generation. Asturian cultural heritage legislation (Chapter II, Articles 2 and 3) allows collaboration between Administration and non-profit entities for the management of publicly owned cultural assets. However, the agreement processing took over a year due to lack of similar precedents, which complicated decision-making by responsible officials and technicians in charge of evaluation. Despite administrative delays, it was argued that shared management had positive impacts, demonstrating its viability as a beneficial model both for heritage conservation and community well-being. Management of these places by the ecomuseum has seen advances and setbacks over the years depending precisely on this political will. Currently fortunately, the Santo Adriano town hall counts with a Heritage Plan sponsored by the Principality of Asturias that is executed by the ecomuséu, allowing local and foreign population to visit these places.
In this sense, another challenge has been promoting the idea that heritage should not be exclusively under institutional control but managed in a shared manner between local communities, institutions, and entities from the social economy sector. This aligns with principles of New Museology and Critical Culture, which emphasize collective responsibility over territory and heritage. Furthermore, this perspective raises questions about what is considered public and common, highlighting the importance of recovering spaces for the "commons" and fostering social awareness on the value of heritage. To strengthen this perspective, participatory and educational initiatives have been developed that involve the community in heritage management, promoting a model of shared governance.
Economic sustainability has been a challenge since the project's beginnings. Although it was an initiative self-managed from the start, economic viability has proven challenging as maintaining the project without external support was unfeasible. Given that we contribute with our taxes, it was considered legitimate to seek financial aid at regional, national, and European levels for developing initiatives of social and cultural interest. You can learn about these projects by visiting our website. Therefore, we apply for public grants on a competitive basis, which currently constitute 80% of the ecomuseum's budget.
Lastly, involving certain sectors of the community, such as older people and youth, has been an ongoing challenge. Their participation in the project hasn't always been easy to achieve. To overcome this, specific projects aimed at these groups have been designed, along with intergenerational initiatives that foster knowledge and experience exchange, promoting greater integration and involvement.
- For readers interested in accessing the ecomuseum, what are the ways to access, hours, and available activities? Is advance reservation required? Responded Sofía González Sandoval
To participate in cultural tours: it is essential to make a prior reservation. This reservation can be made by sending an email to info@laponte.org or calling /sending a WhatsApp message to the number: 691 50 40 45.
These visits are free and all information about schedules and content of the tours can be found on the ecomuseum's website at:
To participate in other activities: We also offer traditional Asturian craft workshops, ethnographic workshops, BARferencias (community talks in taverns), meetings with other collectives, heritage days, etc. Information about all these activities can be found on the ecomuseum's website under the "2025 Event Agenda" section. Link:
Every month, we update our social media profiles and website to share information about Heritage Plan activities. We also have a cultural information point at Santo Adriano Town Hall every Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Address: Villanueva de Santo Adriano, 33115.
- Finally, for communities that wish to embark on an ecomuseum project like La Ponte, what advice would you give? Responded Jesús Fernández Fernández
Firstly, do not idealize the process. Starting a project of this type is not easy and should not be. Conflicts are inevitable: they arise when transforming realities, questioning established orders or building alternatives. If there are no resistances, the project probably isn't generating any real change. That's why it's essential to anticipate them and manage them. Both external and internal conflicts require mediation figures within the team that help maintain direction without nullifying the project.
Secondly, think long-term. This type of initiative requires time, patience, and a strategic outlook. Major changes are built from small constant actions, not immediate solutions. The logic of urgency cannot impose itself on what is important. In this sense, it's also important to keep in mind that social enterprises do not advance at the same pace throughout their entire trajectory but have periods where they slow down for various reasons and others where they accelerate.
Thirdly, adopt an experimental logic. Flexibility is key: rigid projects with closed structures tend to fail before the unpredictable. Reality always changes, and living processes like those of an ecomuseum must be prepared to adapt, rethink themselves, and correct course when necessary. This issue is especially important in rural areas where population dynamics are constantly changing.
Fourthly, maintain autonomy. Seeking institutional support, grants or collaborations does not contradict maintaining a unique identity. But depending on a single source of funding - whether political or economic - puts the project's independence at risk. This is particularly important when working with political actors whose agendas often respond to short-term interests that can clash with a transformative and long-term vision.
Lastly, surround yourself with a team with vision, capable of thinking outside established norms. Multidisciplinarity is not an alternative but a necessity: it requires people who can look from different angles, question the obvious, see opportunities where others see none. And above all, individuals committed to the territory and eager to learn.
You can find more information about Centru d’Investigación y Ecomuséu La Ponte through the following links to their profiles and projects:
Official website: https://laponte.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecomuseulaponte/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/la.ponte.9
Email: info@laponte.org
Teléfonos: 691 50 40 45 / 985 76 14 03
Interviewed by:
Mª Dolores Rodas Romero
Communication Area
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