Marko Daniel, director of the Fundació Joan Miró, speaks in this interview about the research project led by industrial doctoral student Ramon Balcells, focused on the history of the Foundation's exhibitions. Coinciding with the institution's 50th anniversary , this project reinforces its commitment to research, highlighting the diversity of activities carried out beyond Miró's work, and explores how academic collaboration contributes to the institution's international projection and its innovative capacity.
The project, entitled “ Històries d'un museu “ , combines strategic research with audiovisual creation to make visible the institution's return to society and explore the cultural impact of the Fundació Joan Miró. Ramon Balcells leads a pioneering investigation that studies temporary exhibitions from a historical and audiovisual perspective, with the aim of understanding how they have influenced both locally and internationally, providing a complete vision of the Foundation's trajectory and influence.
The Joan Miró Foundation began the commemorative events of its 50th anniversary on June 11, with the support of the Generalitat de Catalunya and other institutions, with the intention of continuing to be a local, national and international reference for contemporary art. On June 10, 1975, the Foundation opened its doors to the public on Montjuïc, in an emblematic building designed by the architect Josep Lluís Sert. Among the outstanding activities of the anniversary, is the exhibition “Poetry has just begun. 50 years of Miró”, which reviews the history and current affairs of the institution until April 6, 2025, as well as the exhibition “Miró and the United States” scheduled for the fall, which will explore the mutual influences between Miró and prominent North American artists.
During the conversation we had with Daniel, he himself reflects on the added value of Industrial Doctorates in the artistic field and the practical and educational benefits they bring to both researchers and institutions.
– The Miró Foundation also does applied research…
– We are currently working on an Industrial Doctorate project with Ramon Balcells, which investigates the history of the Foundation's exhibitions. Coinciding with our 50th anniversary, it is the ideal time to review this aspect of our trajectory.
– What is the main benefit you expect from this project?
– This project is particularly interesting for us because it reinforces our commitment to research. We are interested in our exhibitions, when we do them, having a dimension of creating new knowledge, of generating new perspectives on artistic themes. This allows us to better understand what the Fundació Joan Miró is, what we have achieved in these 50 years and what our impact on society has been. Furthermore, it helps us reflect on the contribution that art makes to society more generally.
– During the development of the project, did you obtain any notable results?
– Yes, a fundamental result that I often use to explain the Miró Foundation is that, thanks to the research in Ramon Balcells' industrial doctorate, we discovered that 85% of the temporary exhibitions we have carried out were not directly about Joan Miró. This data clearly reflects the diversity and richness of our activities, beyond the legacy of Miró himself.
– What added value does this result provide and how does it contribute to highlighting the role of the humanities and differentiating you from other museums?
– We are an artists' museum and in this world it is very important to really explain what it is that we do. And without a doubt, the work of Joan Miró is very important for us and for our visitors. But we also do many other things, and that is why it is very important to clearly explain and justify what we are doing.
The result of the project is very important because it shows that, despite the centrality of Joan Miró, we also develop many other relevant activities. Furthermore, this project includes not only the written thesis but also an innovative audiovisual component, created by Ramon Balcells to celebrate our 50th anniversary. This audiovisual is a key piece in the commemorative exhibition, which allows us to reach a wide audience beyond the academic world. This ability to communicate a specialized work in an effective and accessible way is one of the strengths of this project.
"This project is particularly interesting for us because it reinforces our commitment to research. It allows us to better understand what the Fundació Joan Miró is, what we have achieved in these 50 years and what our impact on society has been."
– How is your experience of collaboration with the university?
– The collaboration is very positive. Museums have their own rhythms, often slow, which fit well with the times of a doctorate. Working with an institution like Pompeu Fabra University, recognized for its dedication to research, has been especially beneficial because it reinforces a culture of research within our team. Ramon is part of our team and regularly interacts with colleagues at the Foundation, demonstrating that research has direct and tangible applications that improve our processes and generate newsworthy results. All of this helps us a lot to consolidate a culture of investigation and research in this world of museums.
– How do you evaluate scientific publications in your field?
– Absolutely, scientific publications are essential. For example, we recently had a remarkable discovery by our Preventive Conservation Department, which identified a painting hidden under a Miró work using innovative non-invasive techniques.
Developing these technologies to analyze works of art with such innovative and hyper-specialized technology, developed by NASA or by food industry research, and applying it in this world is a very important change. Obviously, this produces results that must be disseminated in scientific publications.
Without a doubt, this type of applied research, which produces scientific publications, is essential for advancing our field and opening up new research opportunities for other experts.
"Thanks to Ramon Balcells' research, we discovered that 85% of the temporary exhibitions we have held did not deal directly with Joan Miró. This data clearly reflects the diversity and richness of our activities."
– What does the internationalization promoted by the Industrial Doctorate mean to you?
– It is crucial. During the research, it allows the doctoral student to spend time at international universities and talk to global experts, opening up new perspectives and strengthening their research. This is clearly very important! These research trips help a lot, not only to make some progress with specific questions but really to open horizons, to open eyes, to see how these types of research are done in another context. And it is also the opportunity to talk to international experts.
In the final phase, the audiovisual that Ramon will produce will have an international audience thanks to our global projection, guaranteeing that his work reaches a wide range of visitors.
– Finally, why would I recommend an Industrial Doctorate in the field of arts?
– Not only would I recommend it, but we are already working on new projects. The experience has been very positive and productive for us and for the doctoral student. This format promotes the professionalization of researchers, facilitating their integration into the labor market. It offers a practical approach to addressing specific challenges, providing tangible results and a positive impact for both the institutions and the researchers themselves.
