Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor

Torremolinos is making significant strides toward becoming a more inclusive city, with a comprehensive plan to ensure universal accessibility in all municipal buildings. The initiative goes beyond simply providing physical access, focusing on cognitive accessibility to empower individuals of all abilities to navigate public spaces with greater independence. This commitment to inclusivity positions Torremolinos as a potential model for other municipalities seeking to improve accessibility for their residents and visitors.

The project, already underway at Torremolinos City Hall, involves a detailed overhaul of signage and wayfinding systems. Central to this effort is a collaboration with the Fundación Autismo Sur (Autism South Foundation), leveraging their expertise in cognitive accessibility to create a more user-friendly environment for everyone. The city aims to create spaces where orientation, understanding, and independent movement are achievable for all, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations.

A key component of the plan is the implementation of clear pictograms, Braille signage, and rigorous technical criteria. But, what truly sets this initiative apart is the “real validation” process, according to officials. A team of four individuals with diverse disabilities, all trained in accessibility regulations, are actively reviewing and confirming that the proposed solutions are not only legally compliant but also practical and beneficial in everyday life. This ensures the changes are genuinely impactful and address the needs of those they are intended to serve.

The design of the novel signage adheres to the ‘Guía de buenas prácticas para una señalización accesible en edificios’ (Guide to excellent practices for accessible signage in buildings), published by the Consejería de Inclusión Social, Juventud, Familias e Igualdad of the Junta de Andalucía. This guide provides a catalog of accessible pictograms to ensure consistency and clarity. Following the design phase, the validation team meticulously reviews the signage and proposed routes, making adjustments as needed before final installation. Nearly 40 plaques and almost 20 directories are planned for the initial phase, all designed with clear language, appropriate pictogram use, and optimal placement height.

Accessibility Beyond Physical Access

The focus on cognitive accessibility is particularly noteworthy. As Fundación Autismo Sur emphasizes, “Accessibility is not just about being able to enter, it’s about being able to participate.” This philosophy drives the project’s emphasis on clear communication and intuitive wayfinding. The goal is to eliminate potential sources of disorientation, frustration, and social exclusion, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the community. The city council recognizes that true accessibility extends beyond ramps and elevators; it requires a thoughtful approach to information and navigation.

The Ayuntamiento de Torremolinos’ commitment to accessibility extends beyond its buildings. In January, the city established the Mesa Local de Coordinación Interinstitucional de Accesibilidad Urbana (Local Interinstitutional Coordination Table for Urban Accessibility), a technical space for coordination and information sharing. The first meeting of this table is scheduled in the coming weeks, signaling a continued dedication to improving accessibility across the municipality. The city’s cultural and festive events are designed to be inclusive, safe, and accessible, reinforcing Torremolinos’ position as a leader in accessibility and inclusion policies.

What’s Next for Torremolinos’ Accessibility Initiative

Following the completion of accessibility improvements at City Hall – which is set to be the first municipal building to achieve universal accessibility – the initiative will be gradually implemented in other public spaces throughout Torremolinos. The Fundación Autismo Sur has already collected feedback from the validation team, and the final signage is now ready for printing. This phased approach will allow the city to refine its strategies and ensure a smooth transition to a more accessible environment for all.

As Torremolinos continues to prioritize accessibility, it sets a positive example for other cities and demonstrates a commitment to creating a truly inclusive community. The ongoing work of the Mesa Local de Coordinación Interinstitucional de Accesibilidad Urbana and the continued collaboration with organizations like Fundación Autismo Sur will be crucial in maintaining momentum and ensuring that accessibility remains a top priority. Share your thoughts on this important initiative in the comments below.

Chapel Hill, N.C. – Carolina Performing Arts has unveiled the latest installment of its compelling storytelling series, “Artists Are Athletes / Athletes Are Artists™.” This ongoing project explores the common threads of dedication, discipline, and leadership that define excellence across seemingly disparate fields. The newest chapter, titled “Conductors and Coaches,” offers a unique perspective by bringing together two prominent figures: Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the acclaimed music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal, and Jenny Levy, the highly successful head coach of UNC Women’s Lacrosse, a four-time NCAA national champion.

The video illuminates the parallels in elite leadership, demonstrating how a shared focus, collaborative spirit, resilience, and a clear vision can elevate individual talent to achieve collective success. Alison Friedman, the James and Susan Moeser Executive and Artistic Director of Carolina Performing Arts, explains the impetus behind the series, stating, “Yannick and Jenny are both extraordinary at what they do. Each of them understands how to shape a culture, how to bring individual talent into alignment, and how to create the conditions for collective excellence.” She further emphasized the natural synergy of pairing the arts and athletics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where both thrive at the highest levels.

Launched in 2023, “Artists Are Athletes / Athletes Are Artists™” has previously paired UNC Men’s Basketball with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and UNC Women’s Soccer with tap dance company Dorrance Dance, consistently highlighting the grit, focus, and creativity inherent in achieving mastery. This latest chapter specifically delves into the crucial element of leadership, seeking to understand how it manifests in both artistic and athletic realms.

Friedman sought to explore the connection between the arts and athletics through the lens of leadership, ultimately choosing Nézet-Séguin and Levy as exemplars. Nézet-Séguin, recognized as one of the world’s most dynamic conductors, has a long-standing relationship with Carolina Performing Arts. Levy, meanwhile, is celebrated as one of the most accomplished coaches in collegiate athletics.

Exploring Leadership Across Disciplines

“At Carolina, the culture we’ve built drives everything—trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence,” says Levy. She expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the series, noting that it highlights leadership in an unconventional way – “not coach to coach, but leader to leader.” Levy believes this approach reinforces a core principle of her program: the principles that drive championship performance are universally applicable.

Nézet-Séguin echoes this sentiment, drawing parallels between orchestral performance and the principles of effective leadership. “In an orchestra, every musician brings a distinct sound, and my role is to support and facilitate that individuality flourish whereas allowing everyone to breathe and move as one,” he explains. He expressed gratitude to Carolina Performing Arts for creating a space where the worlds of arts and athletics can intersect and learn from one another, recognizing the profound connections between their respective pursuits.

Filming for “Conductors and Coaches” took place in November 2025, coinciding with Nézet-Séguin’s performances with The Philadelphia Orchestra at Memorial Hall. Production continued with Levy and the UNC Women’s Lacrosse team during practice sessions at the Bill Koman Practice Complex. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s visit to Chapel Hill, scheduled for November 4–5, 2025, will feature works by Beethoven, Brahms, William Grant Still, and Jennifer Higdon, with Emanuel Ax joining them on November 4, as reported by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Events Calendar. Learn more about the Philadelphia Orchestra’s visit.

Previous chapters of the series have garnered recognition at the American Advertising Awards for their cinematography, editing, and original music, demonstrating a commitment to impactful and visually compelling storytelling. “Conductors and Coaches” now joins the full “Artists Are Athletes / Athletes Are Artists™” collection, available online at carolinaperformingarts.org, along with behind-the-scenes footage and a Q&A with Jenny Levy.

A New Perspective on Shared Excellence

Friedman believes this chapter offers a unique entry point for audiences. “What excites me about this chapter is the way it creates a point of entry. When someone sees a shared quality—in this case, leadership—reflected in an unexpected place, it can dissolve distance and make the experience feel more accessible,” she says. She emphasizes the power of the arts to break down barriers and foster understanding by allowing viewers to recognize familiar qualities in new contexts, ultimately expanding their perspectives.

Carolina Performing Arts, founded in 2005, is a leading multi-arts presenter and producer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The organization collaborates with artists from across the globe to foster discovery, belonging, and community through live performance. They have commissioned 80 productions in their first 20 years and are committed to expanding access to the arts, offering $11 tickets to all K–graduate students statewide.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin is celebrated as one of the world’s most sought-after conductors, leading prestigious musical institutions with his distinctive energy and artistic vision. Jenny Levy, a Hall of Fame coach, has built a premier lacrosse program through preparation, trust, and a collective commitment to excellence.

The “Artists Are Athletes / Athletes Are Artists™” series continues to provide a platform for exploring the common ground between seemingly disparate disciplines, highlighting the universal principles that drive success and inspire excellence. As Carolina Performing Arts continues to innovate, this series promises to offer further insights into the shared qualities that connect artists and athletes alike.

Share your thoughts on the intersection of arts and athletics in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with your network!