Valencian (Virtual) Museum of Posters
The Valencian Community, renowned for its rich tradition in art, creativity, and design, has been and continues to be an international reference in the fields of visual arts, illustration, design, and, of course, poster art. This cultural heritage, reflecting the evolution of styles and graphic trends, has inspired the creation of a space that pays tribute to and highlights the significance of Valencian posters over the years. In this context, the Valencian Museum of Posters (Museu Valencià del Cartell, MVC) was born—a digital exhibition space aimed at designers, researchers, students, and public and private entities interested in graphic culture and its creators, as well as the general public, both locally and internationally.
A Pioneering Space in Spain
The MVC positions itself as a pioneering virtual exhibition space in Spain, bringing together and showcasing an extensive selection of posters created by authors from the provinces of Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante. These posters have been produced for national and international clients, as well as by Valencian entities that have commissioned works from local and other regional professionals, enriching Valencian graphic heritage. This platform offers a unique window into the history, evolution, and diversity of Valencian poster art, positioning the region as a deservedly significant epicenter.
Museum Phases
The museum’s first phase focuses on collecting and exhibiting a selection of posters produced in the first quarter of the 21st century, from 2000 to 2025. From there, it will expand to include retrospective pieces from previous decades, reaching back to the early pioneers, while also incorporating new creations annually to keep the archive and virtual exhibition space updated and relevant.
Mission
The primary mission of the Museu Valencià del Cartell is to enhance the value and visibility of Valencian posters while contributing to the promotion and development of visual creativity, graphic design, and poster illustration in the Valencian Community.
Objectives
Positioning and Promoting Valencian Design
One of the primary objectives of the MVC is to establish a permanent virtual space to position and highlight the quality of Valencian design and illustration. The MVC serves as a platform for creators and their works, providing the public with a broad perspective on the region’s graphic design.
Global Perspective on Valencian Poster Art
The MVC offers an overview of poster art in the three provinces of the Valencian Community, spanning different genres and generations of creators. It employs a comprehensive and efficient cataloging and search system, allowing users to access information by creators, clients, dates, provinces, and themes.
Digital Preservation of Poster Heritage
The MVC ensures the digital preservation of contemporary Valencian posters, safeguarding this fundamental aspect of the region’s cultural heritage to remain accessible, free, and protected for current and future generations.
Recognition of Clients and Entities
The museum also seeks to highlight the role of clients as key agents in poster production. It recognizes both public and private entities within the territory, as well as those from other regions that choose Valencian design.
Promoting Education and Critique of Poster Art
The MVC aims to be a space for reflection, analysis, and theorization on poster art as a graphic medium, exploring its historical aspects as well as its future in light of new media and visual consumption platforms.
Collaboration with Other Institutions
Another key objective of the MVC is to foster cooperation and collaboration with museums, universities, research centers, and cultural institutions at both national and international levels, facilitating the exchange of experiences and knowledge.
Promoting Valencian Language in Visual Creation
The MVC is also committed to encouraging the use and presence of the Valencian language in the realm of visual culture.
An International Dissemination Platform
Lastly, the MVC aspires to become a reference in poster design and culture at the international level. Leveraging the potential of technology and the virtual space, and building on the interest demonstrated in poster biennials and exhibitions, the museum aims to reach a global audience.
Origin and Development
The Valencian Museum of Posters (Virtual), initiated by the cultural association Russafart, is an initiative led by Boke Bazán (director) and developed in collaboration with Arístides Rosell (deputy director).
Sponsorship
To propel and consolidate the MVC, whose work began in January 2024, the museum received a grant from the Generalitat Valenciana’s Department of Culture in October 2024. The project presentation and defense were made to the then Secretary of Culture and Sports, Paula Añó, and her team, with subsequent ratification by the current head, María del Pilar Tébar.
