Intercultural dialogue in Spain has progressively evolved from a predominantly state-led model towards a multi-level framework involving public institutions, local authorities, civil society organisations and cultural actors. Today, intercultural initiatives increasingly intersect with broader debates on cultural rights, diversity, migration, social inclusion and democratic participation.
At the national level, cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the Autonomous Communities remains central, while implementation is increasingly carried out through local institutions and community-based initiatives. Museums, libraries, cultural centres and civic spaces play a growing role in promoting participation and inclusion, particularly in contexts shaped by cultural diversity and migration. Programmes such as More Social Museums [Museos más sociales] contribute to improving accessibility and reinforcing the role of museums as spaces for social cohesion and cultural exchange. Within this framework, the concept of the “intercultural museum” has gained prominence, referring to institutions that foster interaction between cultures and social groups while strengthening the intercultural dimension of cultural heritage.
Recent policy developments have also emphasised the need to reassess museum narratives and collections through more inclusive and critical perspectives, particularly in national institutions such as the National Museum of Anthropology and the Museum of the Americas. Framed within the Cultural Rights Plan 2025–2030, these initiatives aim to diversify historical representations, incorporate underrepresented perspectives and broaden approaches to heritage interpretation.
At the international level, Spain maintains an active role in Euro-Mediterranean cooperation through institutions and networks dedicated to cultural exchange and dialogue. The European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), based in Barcelona, operates as a platform for research, debate and cooperation across the Mediterranean region, promoting knowledge exchange, training and civil society participation.
Spain also plays an important role in the Anna Lindh Foundation, a key organisation fostering intercultural dialogue across Europe and the Mediterranean. Through the Spanish Anna Lindh Network, which brings together around 160 civil society organisations, initiatives are developed to promote mutual understanding, strengthen coexistence in diversity and encourage participation in plural democratic societies, particularly among younger generations.
Similarly, the Three Cultures Foundation, created through collaboration between the Andalusian Government and the Kingdom of Morocco, serves as a significant platform for cooperation between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Its activities focus on dialogue, cultural exchange and the promotion of mutual understanding across regions with strong historical and cultural ties.
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