In this volume, we collect and present summaries of all the papers and communications presented by participants at the First International Congress on Arts-Based Educational Research: Art and Democracy, held at the Faculty of Teacher Training at the University of Valencia on 25 and 26 September 2025. The contributions also include activities and documentation that provide an overview of what took place during these two intense days of joint working sessions in Valencia.  The "Proceedings Book ABERTURA 25. 1st INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON ARTS-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH. Art and Democracy" is structured in three main interrelated sections: the scientific summaries of the invited presentations and communications, the visual diary produced by Carlos Maiques, and the book of artists from the organising group. These components form a kaleidoscopic record of the congress, combining academic rigour with the expressive, the experimental and the poetic.