Erasmus+ & Turing Scheme UK

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.

Cyanotype workshop with local artist Roser Gay

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 take part in a Riba Rocks Cultural Association residency on an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme UK funded placement, please contact us on the form below.

Or email us info@riba-rocks.com

“My intentions for applying to the 6-week placement with Riba Rocks were to challenge myself in a new environment, build my confidence with new surroundings and grow professionally. I feel this is something I have accomplished.

It felt very refreshing shiAing from a crea(ve university environment into the not-for-profit community arts sector, as it meant adap(ng to new environments, materials, and a wider community. I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone and surround myself with nature to adapt a new art style and take risks, no maCer the outcome. My experience made me reflect on my personal practice differently, thinking less about polished outcomes and more about how my work can engage and support a community.

I created a project called ‘The Village Breathes’, where I photographed parts of the village where humans were absent, but the objects and movement in the photographs prove that there was human presence there not long before. This idea came from the time of day where residents are taking a siesta. I wanted to challenge myself to work more resourcefully with what I had around, by crea(ng imagery which is meaningful, using the landscapes and natural light surrounding me, rather than relying on using artificial lighing as I have done for previous projects of mine back at home.

A highlight of mine was taking part in an intensive Cyanotype Prin(ng course where we collected and dried out numerous plants and flowers to use. Using the sun as our UV light for prin(ng was very exciting as it took a lot of experimenting to ensure we leA our crea(ons in the sun for the correct amount of time, ensuring we got the perfect outcome for our prints.

I found it challenging to slow down. It was a big difference from being in the university environment where everything moves quite fast paced and I have everything on hand, from fast paced Wi-Fi to studio equipment. I had to think more about how I would approach certain tasks when I couldn’t rely on internet access for editing my images. I also found I had to trust my instincts much more.

This placement has given me insights into my future professional career plans which I didn’t have before. Through my stay at Riba Rocks, I thoroughly enjoyed capturing imagery of the community within the village. I felt that documenting the area would be a nice way to remember my time I spent there and through completing my project ‘The Village Breathes’, I was able to capture just this.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Riba Rocks. The community within the village of Riba-roja d’Ebre is something that I deeply miss. Everyone knew everyone and they were extremely friendly. I felt very welcome and comfortable during my time in Spain and hope to go back and visit our hosts Sarah and Chris at Riba Rocks in the near future.”

Sophie Payne – Photography
Nottingham Trent University

“Pursuing this creative eco-residency with Riba Rocks, has been a wonderful experience as it’s allowed me grow individually and professionally as an artist. Through immersion into Spanish culture, exploring historical sites such as Cova Meravelles and the surrounding natural environment that is Riba Roja d’Ebre, I was able to slow down and recognise the importance of my surroundings and habitual creative traits. I was able to create images that were authentic to myself and uncontrolled by self-assigned academic pressure which has helped me realise what my practice stands for. Be it for a day or a month, any experience with Riba Rocks Association is worthwhile; for the people I met – from artists to locals, for the slow, eco-friendly living allowing me to decentre myself from the craziness that is university, and lastly for the freedom to creatively engage with your mind. This has been a once in a lifetime opportunity that I would 1000% recommend.”
Jayni Patel – Fine Art
Nottingham Trent University

“My 6-week placement with Riba Rocks was an incredibly enriching and memorable experience that allowed me to develop personally and professionally. It offered me a unique opportunity to experience off-grid living while contributing to a range of sustainable and community driven initiatives. Being part of a close-knit group during my stay was such a lovely atmosphere, I felt encouraged and supported and I loved collaborating with each individual, everyone was truly amazing and I really enjoyed getting to know them.

Throughout my time Sarah and Chris were so welcoming and made the placement so special, teaching and showing us so many beautiful places including Sebes nature Reserve, Corbera d’Ebre and the Benifallet caves, these were my personal favourites. Sarah challenged me to work outside my comfort zone which was so helpful and allowed me to experiment with new ideas and methods.

A key highlight was taking part in Roser Gays intensive course in Cyanotype printing, I loved the amount of experimentational time we had. Additionally, responding to Riu d’art call of submissions and creating an individual project proposal exploring Riba Roja d’Ebre, which I got to present to the public. This was so useful and helped me gain confidence in communicating my ideas and engaging with an audience.

I would highly recommend this placement, I am so grateful for the opportunity and being able to contribute. I will look back on this experience with so many lovely memories.”
Leah Skuse – Photography
Nottingham Trent University