13 Sep The Andalusian Government earmarks 3.5 million euros for the Camarón de la Isla Interpretation Centre
The Governing Council has authorised the Regional Ministry of Culture to grant an exceptional subsidy of 3.5 million euros, by means of a collaboration agreement, to the City Council of San Fernando (Cádiz), for the project of the Camarón de la Isla Interpretation Centre. This amount represents the entire budget for the creation of the future space dedicated to the life and work of the cantaor, which will be located on a site adjacent to the Venta de Vargas, next to the monument to the artist in the Plaza Juan Vargas.
The collaboration between the Junta and the Island Corporation, which is financially supported by European funds through the Integrated Territorial Investment 2014-2020 for the Province of Cádiz, will bring together in a single place all the contents related to the figure and legacy of Camarón de la Isla. The initiative, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of his death, is also part of the promotion policies developed by the Junta since the declaration of flamenco as Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010.
The approved subsidy is part of the protocol of actions signed by the Island City Council and the Regional Ministry of Culture for the implementation of the project. The municipal corporation also signed an agreement with the artist's heirs so that his legacy can be exhibited in the centre, which will also house a research area on contemporary flamenco, with a video library, a sound library and a monumental collection. In this sense, it will also be a multidisciplinary space that will serve as a stage for concerts, activities and events related to the cantaor, his legacy and his hometown.
José Monge Cruz (San Fernando, 1950; Badalona, 1992), known by his stage name of 'Camarón de la Isla', developed a not very long but very intense career, in which he demonstrated both his innate qualities for flamenco singing and his great ability to communicate.
Camarón began his professional career at the age of 16 in the companies of Miguel de los Reyes and Dolores Vargas, although he was already singing at a very young age in sales and parties. He recorded his first album at the age of 18 with Paco de Lucía. Many are the artists who have drawn from his sources and his attitude towards creation. His work has been decisive in making flamenco known throughout the world.
Among the numerous recognitions awarded to the artist from the island are the Premio Nacional del Cante de la Cátedra de Flamencología de Jerez de la Frontera and the Medalla de Oro de Andalucía posthumously (1993). The Andalusian Government distinguished him in 2000 with the Llave de Oro del Cante, a historic distinction in the flamenco world instituted in the 19th century by a group of aficionados from Malaga and registered by the Junta in 1984. Of a very exceptional nature, it was previously awarded to Tomás el Nitri (1868), Manuel Vallejo (1926) and Antonio Mairena (1962). Since Camarón, only Antonio Fernández Díaz 'Fosforito' (2005) has received this award.