Spring 2025 Creative Residency with NTU

Celebrating Creativity and Collaboration: A Spring Residency with Nottingham Trent University. This Spring, Riba Rocks had the absolute pleasure of hosting Fine Artists and Photographers from Nottingham Trent University. With the support of the Turing Scheme UK, the residents joined us at the Riba Rocks Association for what we hope was an unforgettable creative and cultural experience.

The Fine Artists were with us for one month, while the Photographers – from one of the world’s most prestigious photography courses (and the fifth-oldest photographic educator globally) – stayed for six weeks. Their diverse artistic backgrounds brought a dynamic energy to the programme, blending traditional and contemporary perspectives in unique ways.

A Multifaceted Programme

The programme began with an exploration of local cultural and historical landmarks. Residents visited:

• Flix Castle and Air Raid Shelter
• Riu d’art Open Air Gallery and a guided tour of Riba-roja d’Ebre village
• Natura i Art at Els Ports
• Sant Bartomeu Church
• Santa Madrona Hermitage
• Caves of Benifallet
• Zona Líquida co-working centre
• Sebes Nature Reserve
• Corbera d’Ebre Poble Vell
• Ceramica and Miravet village
• Giant Bench of Riba-roja d’Ebre

Additionally, the artists immersed themselves in local traditions at the Cultural Fiesta of Workers Day, participating in events like the La Clotxa and the Paella Competition. They also enjoyed a scenic river walk to Riba-roja d’Ebre, enriching their connection to the region.

Workshops, Presentations, and Environmental Engagement

Workshops offered during the residency were designed to inspire creativity and foster technical skill development:

• Cyanotype Workshop with Roser Gay: Spanning four weeks, this workshop explored light-sensitive printing techniques, culminating in a beautiful exhibition of student artwork in the olive grove of The Valley, as well as a presentation in the Open Studios of Riu d’art Street Fest.

• Artistic Development with Sarah Misselbrook:
  • Walking and Collecting: Exploring the landscape, creating walking bundles, and drawing with handmade charcoal from olive prunings.
  • Pushing Boundaries: Encouraging residents to draw blindfolded, use their non-dominant hand, and collaborate on group art.
  • Creating a Manifesto: Reflecting on their experiences to craft a sustainability-focused manifesto.

Inspirational presentations were held at the Zona Líquida Hybrid Co-working Centre, blending in-person and remote participation. Presenters included:

• Sarah Misselbrook
• Roser Gay
• Sarah-Jane Mason
• Ramon G. Giribet

Innovation, Sustainability, and Certification

The residency extended its impact through the students’ collaboration with Grup de Natura Freixe, constructing bat shelters and planting trees to promote local biodiversity. Their efforts earned the students a Carbon Footprint Positive Impact Certificate, awarded by the Riba Rocks Association.

At the Zona Líquida Rural Co-working Centre, students delivered innovative proposals for the Riu d’art Open Air Gallery to an audience, showcasing their creative visions. This activity, combined with their extended two-week residency, leads to the Photographers being awarded a Certificate in Professional Practice, which they will receive during their degree ceremony.

Looking Ahead

The energy, creativity, and commitment of this Nottingham Trent University group were truly inspiring. Their contributions – both environmental and artistic – left a lasting impression on the Riba-roja community. In fact, the photographic artworks will be presented in exhibition in the old washouse of Riba-roja d’Ebre in 2025 as part of the Riu d’art Street Fest!

As we reflect on this incredible Spring, we are filled with gratitude and anticipation, looking forward to hosting more residents in the future and continuing this wonderful exchange of ideas and culture.