Eme3 started in 1999 as a Festival that celebrated a constellation of elements and inputs that emerged from the multidimensional and trans-disciplinary ethos of that times. Javier Planas had background as graphic designer and public events producer and eventual art director for cultural events. At the same time a very strong connection with the Arts and specially with the field of Architecture. At the point of constituting the Cultural Association ADN, it was clear that the intention was to unite the various disciplines on a context that would generate, not only exchange but cross pollination.
Architecture as a transformative tool and a deeply socially involved practice, was what made of it the core of the festival’s discourse.
Since those days in 1997/8 when the ideas to make such event started, the world has gone through out massive changes and quite apocalyptic events.
It is mostly during this convulsive years ( post 9/11, till this convulsive days) that Eme3 has navigated, against all odds. Under our Spanish and Catalan failed cultural policies of various sides of the political spectrum and with collaborators coming in and out of the project. Only love and a will to keep at the side of enthusiasm and continuum, has made of the work of Javier and its closer collaborators, worth noticing as abnegated and very generous about a series of believes, about our roles in this social fabric we all inhabit in one way or another, and to which we relate and keep a responsibility to. Eme3 then consolidates it self as a massive Catalyst of forces and creations that have benefited urbanist, architects and all its dependent context.
Looking backwards, we can see how figures and names, today considered as very relevant and occupying high places of responsibility, had been part of Eme3 as participants or guest years and years ago.
Coming to its 10th edition, across 17 years, Eme3 shows how important has been to survive so far, as part of what is done in our city and our context.
Again as a basically generous entity, it fulfils a role asked off festivals and honestly committed cultural events: to really be useful for its participants and public as to inform each other and as a tool for learning one of each other, producing ideas, passing information beyond closed circuits and cliques, opening peoples minds but specially their hearts.
This is why Eme3 has always transpired this element of celebration, this wanting to gather and connect, this unorthodox aura. As it is not a corporate or subordinated institution. Eme3 Institutes it self every time with every one who forms part of it. It re-emerges sensing the essential needs of every year that has managed to appear, giving opportunities to all implicated at all times.