Erasmus+ & Turing Scheme UK
Visual Arts
Design and Illustration
Environmental and Farming
Here at Riba Rocks, we host diverse placement opportunities, designed to complement the educational experiences offered by partner organisations. Our placements provide hands-on learning experiences in art, design, and environmental stewardship, allowing our partners’ students to engage with real-world challenges and develop practical skills.
ART PLACEMENT
Our Art placement program at Riba Rocks offers a platform for artists to immerse themselves in a variety of artistic disciplines, guided by experienced practitioner Sarah Misselbrook. Sarah brings with her a wealth of experience, including a BA from Nottingham Trent, MA from Winchester, and a PGCE from Southampton University. Sarah taught on Year 0 and Year 1 of Visual Arts programs at Southampton University. Participants have the opportunity to explore a range of artistic disciplines, including Sculpture, Painting and Drawing, Installation, Land Art, Performance Art, Environmental Art, Digital Art, and Street Art. This placement also offers the opportunity of illustration workshops with local artist Roser Gay.
Our indoor drawing and painting studio provides a conducive environment for artistic experimentation, while our outdoor casting and sculpture space allows for exploration on a larger scale. Participants have access to all necessary materials and resources to bring their creative visions to life. Throughout the placement, participants benefit from full-time mentoring and guidance from Sarah Misselbrook. This personalised approach ensures that each participant receives the support and feedback needed to further their development. As part of our program, participants have the opportunity to collaborate with Sarah Misselbrook through our Riu d’art initiative. This collaborative platform offers the opportunity to create an artwork for the Riu d’art Open Air Gallery in the streets of Riba-roja d’Ebre.
DESIGN PLACEMENT
Our Design placement program at Riba Rocks counts on our team of experienced designers, with over 20 years of combined experience in both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. Under their guidance, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the world of design, focusing on the creation of tourist promotional materials. Our Design placement offers invaluable mentorship from two qualified and experienced designers. Drawing from their extensive background in the industry, they will provide personalised guidance and support throughout the placement.
Learn the ins and outs of crafting engaging and visually appealing content for various social media platforms, ensuring maximum reach and impact. Gain hands-on experience in video production, from conceptualisation to editing, and create compelling visual narratives to promote tourism initiatives. Develop skills in graphic design and layout to create eye-catching posters and marketing materials that effectively communicate key messages and attract visitors. Explore the art of photography and master techniques for capturing stunning images that showcase the beauty and uniqueness of our region.
Participants will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, contributing to the creation of promotional materials that highlight the attractions and activities available in our area. From designing posters to shooting and editing videos, our Design placement provides practical experience that is both rewarding and enriching. Our team fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where participants can exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback, and grow as designers.
ENVIRONMENTAL, CONSERVATION AND FARMING PLACEMENT
An immersive experience in the sustainable practices of olive farming and environmental stewardship with our Environmental and Farming placement at Riba Rocks. Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of our off-grid olive farm, participants will have the unique opportunity to live and work in harmony with nature while gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
Learn the art of olive farming using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Our program focuses on sustainable farming methods aimed at combating climate change, including dry stone wall construction and innovative irrigation methods. Participants will play a vital role in the stewardship of our ancient olive grove, preserving its heritage and ensuring its continued productivity.
Our farm is situated alongside a nature reserve, providing an ideal setting for environmental conservation efforts. Participants will engage in projects aimed at promoting biodiversity, including the construction of bat shelters, insect hotels, and wetland conservation areas. We offer collaborative experiences in partnership with the Sebes Nature Reserve, prioritising animal protection and management, working to create a balanced ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife, from birds and insects to horses, fish, and turtles.
The Sebes Nature Reserve is one of the most important natural spaces in the Terres de l’Ebre. Together with the Meander de Flix, it occupies an area of more than 250 hectares of open water areas, wetlands, riparian forests, river islands and marshes. The great diversity of habitats that the Reserve hosts makes it an important point for the conservation of biodiversity, both fauna and flora and vegetation. Some of the species present in the Reserve are listed as scarce or very rare in Catalonia.
Our Erasmus+ and Turing Scheme UK Placements provide a unique opportunity for our partners’ students and recent graduates to immerse themselves in a world of creativity, sustainability, and community. Our placements offer a multidisciplinary journey into the world of art, culture, and sustainability. Your students will have the chance to work with local artists, experience new techniques, and create your own unique artwork. They will immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Riba-roja d’Ebre, celebrating local traditions, interacting with the community, and exploring heritage sites.
They will experience the beauty of the natural world as our program includes a visit to the Sebes Nature Reserve as well as volunteering activities with the Grup de Natura Freixe, hikes in the mountains, and opportunities to engage with the environment. Sustainability is at the heart of our placements. Learning about low water consumption, zero waste, and other eco-conscious practices whilst creating art inspired by the environment. Participants will also have the opportunity to contribute to our Riu d’art Open Air Gallery, creating murals and sculptures that become part of the vibrant street art scene in Riba-roja d’Ebre.
Partner with us and offer your students a place on this journey of artistic expression and cultural exploration in the heart of Catalunya!
Your students will have the chance to:
Artistic Expression:
Work with local artists to create artwork.
Learn traditional and contemporary techniques.
Explore body casting, charcoal making, and more.
Cultural Immersion:
Celebrate local traditions and fiestas.
Visit cultural and heritage sites.
Engage with the community and experience the warmth of the people.
Environmental Engagement:
Understand the importance of sustainability.
Embrace eco-friendly practices and zero waste ethos.
Contribute to environmental conservation through art.
Community Impact:
Create art that becomes part of the Riu d’art Open Air Gallery.
Share work with the local community through exhibitions and events.
Our Erasmus+ and Turing Scheme UK Placements provide a holistic experience that fosters creativity, sustainability, and a deep connection to the local community.
To partner with Riba Rocks Cultural Association for an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme UK placement, please contact us on the form below.
Or email us info@riba-rocks.com
Divaa Keith“Before we even set foot in the finca, everything was explained and outlined to perfection easy to understand and follow. When we arrived, we were met warmly by Riba Rocks members at the airport who was welcoming, unreserved and expansive when discussing the landscape upon driving from Reus to the north-east Catalonian finca, at Riba-Roja d’Ebre. Arriving at the farm felt magical, off-grid, quiet and peaceful. It’s buzzing with life, including 2 fur babies (cats Tut & Bonnie) who welcomed us with open paws and continued to greet and visit the caravan daily.
We were greeted by other Riba Rocks members back at the farm, shown the caravan and encouraged to make ourselves comfortable before we collected supplies from the local supermarket in Flix. When driving Riba Rocks continued to give comprehensive explanations of the passing villages, local monuments and natural/cultural history, it was a great way to dive into getting to know the real Catalonian countryside.
The first week was well-planned, exploring the village of Riba-Roja d’Ebre was fascinating, strolling down the narrow side streets felt relaxing, encouraging and gave influential insight valuable for the forthcoming projects. An underlining yet unplanned event, was the Hydroelectric dam gate opening, plus a guided private tour. On May 5 we experienced the annual opening of the dam, where multiple gates were opened pouring tonnes of water through a controlled area, crashing against rows of gigantic concrete structures.
During this Grampus Heritage Traditional Skills in Sustainable Rural Development we participated 6 creative projects: Land Art exploring nature and art in place, illustration journaling and book binding, collaborative mural connecting heritage with nature using found materials, Capgrossos masks, Bat Shelter building and making willow charcoal from the fincas, excess olive wood. Documenting all processes in still and motion media forms, available on various platforms. This placement allowed me oppertunities to try new forms of art and experiment with mediums. Documenting and developing new techniques such as body casting, various sculpture processes and book binding. Here I explored, developed and unlocked new creative pathways.
The projects moved smoothly and simultaneously with easy communication. Each days activities were made clear either at dinner or mentioned in our group chat. If one thing these hosts can do, is keep their guests hunger satisfied. We were cooked for during the weekdays, lunch and dinner, and the food was delicious, varying daily with the odd desert treat (thank you).
The connections Riba Rocks Association has with the local village is admirable, I felt honoured to be involved in a nature conservation project to build bat hides. This project expanded my personal development in woodwork, conservation, ecology and the natural landscape, here we also learned more about the negative impacts of the Hydroelectric dam. The locals made the placement special, they are all invested in what they do and show immense encouraging passion.”
This is a massive thank you to Riba Rocks.
Thank you for the wonderful memories, inspirational lifestyle and a mountain of croissants. This experience was like no other and I will treasure it forever!
Throughout all 4 weeks Riba Rocks were more than accommodating to our needs as they not only let 4 strangers into their home but cooked wonderful veggie meals, took us to explore the local area and inspired us to create some amazing art work. The whole experience was careful thought out with trips to the local bakery, nature reserve and several surrounding villages. I really did feel fully immersed into the culture and people of Riba-roja! I can’t wait to come back to explore even more of Catalonia with of course a trip to get more croissants
Lots of love to Riba Rocks and of course Tuts and Bonnie
Eden Parkes
