Barcelona launches 55,000 €20 vouchers to spend on culture

Cinema and books have a clear condition: all offerings in these two areas will be in Catalan. Across the whole programme, at least 70% of the schedule must be in this language.

From today, 4 November, applications are open for the Bonus Cultura del Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, managed by the Institut de Cultura de Barcelona (ICUB). The budget is 1.5 million euros and more than 55,000 vouchers are expected to be issued; by the end of the three periods, the programme aims to have distributed its 55,000 units.

A 20-euro balance for multiple uses

Each user will have a digital wallet preloaded with 20 euros. This can be spent on music, theatre, dance or circus, as well as on Catalan-language film screenings and books in this language available in Barcelona bookshops.

The platform will always apply the best available price, will be compatible with other discounts, and will allow purchases to be paid for in one go or the balance to be split across several transactions. The system will integrate with the main ticket sales channels without changing the usual way programmers work, and will include real-time validations to protect transactions and prevent misuse.

For books, the balance can be used throughout the campaign. Digital vouchers redeemable in physical bookshops will also be offered, a formula designed to make it easier for local businesses to take part without requiring complex technological tools.

Three periods and balance expiry dates

Top-ups will be organised in three phases: from 4 November to 10 January; from 11 January to 25 April; and from 26 April to 31 July. The balance will expire at the end of each period if it has not been spent. The top-up can be renewed up to three times a year.

Agreements with theatres, concert halls, cinemas, bookshops and other programming spaces will seek a diverse offering spread across the city. Activities linked to major events are excluded.

Civic centres will bring the programme to the neighbourhoods

The 51 municipal civic centres will take part in promoting the programme and supporting users. The initiative focuses especially on areas with lower regular cultural consumption and at risk of digital divide or social exclusion.

Among the highlighted neighbourhoods are Trinitat Vella y Besòs i el Maresme. Bon Pastor, La Marina y Verdum are also included. The programme is also aimed at young people aged 18 to 30, those who consume little culture, and those who already enjoy it regularly and want to stretch their budget.

The expansion of audiences adds to other city initiatives, such as the international event at the Museu Marítim, which brought together 4,517 people from 120 countries. To publicise how the vouchers work, the City Council will accompany the programme with a communication campaign.