The Robert Capa Foundation prohibits Almeida from using the photographer's name to create a center in Peironcely 10 and the City Council will study the possibility of maintaining it
The International Center of Photography has prohibited Madrid's City Council from using the name of photographer Robert Capa for a project at Peironcely 10 due to concerns about authenticity and adherence to the original vision.
In a significant decision, the International Center of Photography (ICP) based in New York has formally barred the Madrid City Council from using the name of renowned photographer Robert Capa in relation to its planned establishment of a center at the historic site of Peironcely 10. This prohibition comes after the 'SalvaPeironcely10' Platform raised alarms over what it characterized as an attempt to transfer the building's management to an external entity not aligned with Capa's legacy or original project intentions. The platform, supported by various neighborhood associations in Puente de Vallecas, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed initiative, arguing that it undermines the integrity of Capa's work and legacy.
The ICP, in its communications, has reiterated its custodial responsibility over Capa's name and image, emphasizing that any projects intending to leverage his legacy must receive prior approval from the institution. This ruling poses a significant challenge to the Madrid City Council, which had ambitions to celebrate Capa's influence and contribution to photography through this center. The local government is now faced with the task of reassessing its plans in light of ICP's directive, as well as the strong community opinions expressed through the Plataformas’ advocacy.
As a response to this development, the City Council has indicated it will explore the feasibility of maintaining the project without infringing on Capa’s legacy. The larger implications of this situation highlight the ongoing struggle between local governmental ambitions and community sentiments regarding historical preservation and the authentic representation of cultural icons. This incident underscores how crucial it is to engage with both local stakeholders and international institutions in initiatives involving significant cultural figures.