About

The Solidarity Park project began in 2016 as a memorial dedicated to the sinking of the *Ciudad de Barcelona* ship during the Spanish Civil War in 1937. Onboard were 200-300 members of the International Brigades. The project is led by Artist Rob MacDonald.

The project revolves around three central themes: historical memory, art, and education. To promote these themes, the project emphasises community participation at every opportunity, uniting people in learning about the significant historical events of the Spanish Civil War and the valuable lessons they hold for both local and international communities today. Regular democratic meetings are held with activists worldwide, conducted in English, Spanish, and Catalan, to further these goals. Through this approach, Solidarity Park has built a global network of supporters and participants. Watch short film here

A major achievement of the project is the creation of a living monument on the beach in Malgrat de Mar. This monument was brought to life with the help of over 700 participants who carved the stone figures during street festivals and public workshops. The construction was partly supported by €30,000 raised from public donations. Additionally, historian Sònia Garangou authored a book, Les aigües de l oblit (The waters of oblivion) that documents this important yet previously forgotten history.

Solidarity Park living monument

For the past five years, Solidarity Park has organized an annual international arts festival. The most recent festival, held in 2024, spanned four days and featured history, art, and community-building activities. It brought together 35 collaborating entities, including the local city council and the regional government of Catalunya. Hundreds of artists have participated over the years, contributing performances, films, choral music, and visual art. As the saying goes, “A picture tells a thousand words,” but here, a thousand artists express history. Programme – Festival Solidarity Park – Solidarity Park

11 choirs from 5 countries sing at the 2023 festival

The educational aspect of the project has reached thousands of young people. In 2024 alone, 500 students participated in the program. The core project includes artistic and historical workshops held in educational institutions, where students learn about the Spanish Civil War, the International Brigades, and their impact on world history. These students then create artworks in the form of porthole windows on a ship. Each year, four of these designs are selected by public vote, carved in stone, and added to the public monument. Many educational institutions from across Catalunya, as well as internationally from countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Sweden, Holland and the UK, take part in this initiative. Rob MacDonald is presently in the process of forming new connected community art projects in the UK in Hull, South Wales, Surrey and Sunderland.

Hull College of Art and Design week

Solidarity Surrey memorial community activities

Solidarity Sunderland people participation monument

Annual calendar of Student designs

Barcelona student working on her design.

Students visit Solidarity Park Monument to talk with Community Artist Rob MacDonald

Solidarity Park is committed to continuing its mission of uniting people locally and internationally with the powerful message of human solidarity. Each year, the festival and educational projects will continue to grow in Catalunya and around the world. We have many plans to grow the project and bring its philosophy to more people. We hope you will participate and bring your creative ideas !