Spring 2025 Creative Residency
This Spring, Riba Rocks hosted Fine Artists and Photographers from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for a vibrant creative residency in Riba-roja d’Ebre, supported by the Turing Scheme UK. Their stay brought fresh artistic energy to the village, inspiring new projects and leading up to the Riu d’art Street Fest 2025.
Exploring Riba-roja d’Ebre
Artists and photographers immersed themselves in the region, visiting:
- Riu d’art Open Air Gallery and guided village tours
- Flix Castle & Air Raid Shelter
- Sant Bartomeu Church & Santa Madrona Hermitage
- Sebes Nature Reserve & Caves of Benifallet
- Nearby villages: Miravet and Corbera d’Ebre Poble Vell
- Natura i Art at Els Ports and Zona Líquida co-working centre
- Giant Bench of Riba-roja d’Ebre
Residents also joined local traditions during the Cultural Fiesta of Workers Day, taking part in La Clotxa, the Paella Competition, and scenic river walks.
Creative Workshops
The residency offered hands-on workshops and artistic mentorship:
- Cyanotype with Roser Gay: Light-sensitive printing techniques, culminating in exhibitions in The Valley olive grove and at the Riu d’art Street Fest Open Studios.
- Artistic Development with Sarah Misselbrook: Walking bundles, handmade charcoal drawing, blindfolded and non-dominant hand exercises, and creating a sustainability-focused manifesto.
Inspirational presentations at Zona Líquida featured Sarah Misselbrook, Roser Gay, Sarah-Jane Mason, and Ramon G. Giribet.
Looking Ahead: Riu d’art Street Fest 2025
The residency’s creative works will be showcased at the Riu d’art Street Fest, including photographic projects and other artworks in the old washhouse of Riba-roja d’Ebre. This festival celebrates the creativity, collaboration, and cultural energy that the NTU artists brought to the village.
✅ Spring 2025 NTU Residency leaves a lasting impact, enriching Riba-roja d’Ebre and the Riu d’art project, and setting the stage for future artistic exchanges.
