JAVIER JIMENEZ
Javier Jimenez is a museum and cultural planner with project experience in more than 20 countries. He works with museums, cultural organizations and government entities to envision and implement transformative projects. He has been involved in some of the major cultural development projects of recent times, including the West Kowloon Cultural District (Hong Kong), Diriyah Gate (Riyadh), the Khor Dubai Strategy and Shindagha Museum (Dubai), the Nanjing Museum expansion (Nanjing), or the V&A East project (London). Javier collaborates regularly with the academic sector. He is an invited lecturer at the Master´s in Cultural Diplomacy, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, and an Advisor to Best in Heritage, Dubrovnik. He recently co-edited Museum Development in China – Understanding the Building Boom (An Laishun et al., 2019) which is a cooperation with the Chinese Museum Association. He also contributed a chapter to Cities, Museums and Soft Power (Lord & Blankenberg, 2015). He is currently a Director at Lord Cultural Resources and is currently based in Madrid.
Which are your three favourite cultural destinations (established or new ones)?
It is hard to only choose three cultural destinations, but I think I would go with Mexico City, Rome and London. These are three cities to which I have been quite often, both for work and leisure, and I have been lucky to experience them under multiple lights and across different stages of my life. Mexico City surprises me time and time again by its humane scale despite being a sprawling megacity; it is rich in every single cultural dimension, from “micheladas” to modern art to architecture.
If you are able to avoid the tourists, Rome is one of the most magical and monumental places on earth. I love the view from the top of Villa Borghese, and the way in which chaotic “romanos” casually overlook the imperial manifestations that sprout all around them.
In London I like the many museums and galleries, which are among the best in the world, as well as its vibrant performing arts and musical scene. And the unique brand identity of its urban furniture and public transport!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE EMERGING CULTURAL CITIES IN THE WORLD AND WHY?
Dubai is clearly making a big effort to not only be a free port and a leading air travel hub, but to give international travellers reasons to actually spend a few nights there. Significant cultural infrastructure has been built over the last decade, as well as events and festivals, and an effort to regenerate the oldest quarters of Dubai is underway. The most interesting aspect to me is the cultural melt pot within the Deira neighbourhood.
Not sure if Beijing is an emerging destination or consolidated, but it is a cultural heavyweight worth including somewhere. Taking a walk within the second Ring Road, where Beijing's city walls once stood, is a more relaxing and fun experience than one would think. Especially in the evening, as you come across plaza dancers on every other street.
Finally, Rio de Janeiro made it to my personal top after I visited the Museu de Favela: a cultural experiment that successfully converts dangerous streets into a friendly and open community.
Tell us about a cultural project with great potential for social impact.
I would highlight the several cultural initiatives underway in Saudi Arabia in the context of Vision 2030 (Saudi´s ambitious plan to open up, modernize, and transition to soft power during the coming decade), such as Diriyah Gate, Al-Ula or King Salman Park.
What has been your most memorable recent cultural experience?
Right after the strict Covid-19 lockdown in the spring of 2020, I visited the 11th century mosque in the Andalusian city of Cordoba with my family. It was our first event out of the house for a significant period of time, which made it an extraordinary – and liberating - occasion. We especially enjoyed the “ritual” of the cultural visit itself, which we would have taken for granted in a different situation.
Describe the perfect cultural day of the city you live in.
It would be a rather improvised day in Madrid, taking a walk through the vibrant district of Malasaña towards the old city centre, stopping by some art gallery or exhibition along the way. We would have a late lunch (Spanish style) in some hidden “tasca” followed by a siesta - just kidding - followed by a coffee at some friend´s house, and a theatre or music event in the evening in one of the small independent theatres around the Lavapies district.