courses in Barcelona
January 4-16, 2026
BARNA ARTS drops you into Barcelona's creative scene where art, music, design, and culture collide. Today's most exciting work happens at the intersections—visual artists collaborating with musicians, designers reimagining traditional crafts, filmmakers working with local communities. That's the power of mixing disciplines.Through daily experiences with working artists, cultural institutions, and hands-on projects, you'll see how Barcelona's creatives actually work. With local mentorship and real access, you'll build your own interdisciplinary practice. Barcelona becomes your classroom and creative lab.
ACTIVITIES
Guided by choreographers and educators Albert Quesada and Katie Vickers, this program offers students an unforgettable mix of workshops (movement, theatre, mix media, music, visual art), cultural exploration, and creative exchange.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
Cultural Immersion
Guided walking tours through Barcelona’s iconic neighborhoods
Visits to world-class institutions like the Picasso Museum, MACBA, MNAC, Fundació Miró, and Gaudí’s architecture
Behind-the-scenes access with curators, cultural leaders, and artistic directors
Evenings at the Palau de la Música, Teatre Lliure, and local cinemas
Creative Practice
Interdisciplinary workshops with international artists
Masterclasses across diverse styles and practices
Creation and reflection labs to develop original work
Collaboration & Connection
Studio visits and conversations with working artists across disciplines
Networking with curators, programmers, and venue representatives
VENUESArchitecture: Casa Batlló, Parc Güell, Sagrada FamiliaMuseums: MNAC, CCCB, Music Museum, Fundació MiróTheatres: Mercat de les FlorsCinema: VerdiArt Factories: Graner, Fabra i Coats, La Caldera
WHY JOIN
Connect with Barcelona's creative community—the artists, makers, and cultural insiders who define the cityPush your practice in new directions through real collaboration and hands-on workGet under the surface of Barcelona—its history, contradictions, street life, and creative energyLeave with a portfolio that shows what you can do, not just what you studied
DRAFT SCHEDULE*
* Guest Artists and precise information about the exhibits To Be Announced
INFOStart date: January 4th (depart Jan 3rd > land Jan 4th)End date: January 16th (travel Jan 17th)Instructional Language: EnglishLocation: Barcelona, SpainHousing Type: HostelHousing Information: Each student will have their own bed in a shared roomHost Organization: BARNA ARTSINCLUDED: Travel InsuranceNOT INCLUDED: Airfare, Meals, Airport drop-off / Pickup, Fees/Permits, Local transportation
PRICE$2500 (early bird / with accommodation)
* See other prices in the application form
* If you participate via your university prices may differ, due to credit costs
June 22 - July 7, 2026
“This trip changed me in the best ways! Really, really loved the entirety of this trip. THANK YOU Katie and Albert for all of your planning and diligence in making it come to life!
I loved it!”
— Abigail, 2024 UArts participant
BARNA ARTS invites students on an intimate dance immersion in Barcelona’s vibrant cultural landscape.This trip offers international artists and students the opportunity to meet and learn from local artists, collaborate, and enjoy the cultural richness of the city.The course will take place during the international dance/theatre/music festival GREC, taking advantage of its amazing offerings.
Choreography / Phrase Work / Voice Work / Afro-fusion / Partnering / Improvisation / Applied Anatomy / Floor Work / Flamenco
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
Student-only Activities
Dance workshops exploring movement, technique, and composition
Masterclasses in diverse styles (e.g. Afro fusion, flamenco, voice–body connection)
Creation and reflection labs where students collaborate and develop performance material
Visit to the creation space of a renowned company, with time dedicated to working in nature (with a pool)
Connection and collaboration with local students, and students from other U.S. universities
Cultural & Networking Activities
Attendance at professional performances in Festival GREC
Opportunities to watch work-in-progress showings by local and international artists
Networking sessions with artists, curators, programmers, and venue representatives
Days off to explore the city wonders (architecture, beach, mountain, etc.)
VENUESUniversity: Institut del TeatreTheatres: Mercat de les Flors, Teatre Grec, Teatre LliureArt Factories: Graner, Fabra i Coats, La Caldera
WHY JOINBuild meaningful connections within Barcelona’s vibrant artistic communityExpand your creative practice through hands-on experiences and collaborationGain cultural fluency by engaging deeply with the city’s history, language, contrasts, and living cultureReturn with new confidence, fresh perspectives, and an interdisciplinary portfolio of work
2026 SCHEDULE*
* 2026 Guest Artists and precise information about shows, courses, etc, To Be Announced
INFOStart date: June 22nd (depart June 21st > land June 22nd)End date: July 7th (travel July 7th)Instructional Language: EnglishLocation: Barcelona and Celrà, SpainHousing Type: HostelHousing Information: Each student will have their own bed in a shared roomHost Organization: BARNA ARTSINCLUDED: Local transportation, Travel InsuranceNOT INCLUDED: Airfare, Meals, Airport drop-off / Pickup, Fees/Permits
PRICE$3000 (early bird / with accommodation)
* See other prices in the application form
* If you participate via your university prices may differ, due to credit costs
PREVIOUS FACULTYLali Ayguadé, Edward Tamayo, Carmen Muñoz, Renan Martins, Tebza Diphehlo, Mal Pelo artists (Federica Porello, Leo Castro, Enric Fàbregas), Claudia SolWat, Cristina Poll, Roser Tutusaus, Jorge Dutor, Guillem Mont de Palol, Oulouy, Albert Quesada, Katie Vickers, Juan Carlos Lérida
PREVIOUS PARTICIPATING UNIVERSITIES
UArts (University of the Arts, Philadelphia) (PA)
Stockton University (NJ)
Shenandoah University (VA)
Georgian Court University (NJ)
Circadium - School of Contemporary Circus (PA)
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) (NC)
Institut de Teatre (Barcelona)
# | MON 5 | TUE 6 | WED 7 | THU 8 | FRI 9 | SAT 10 | SUN 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
morning | Welcome Class (Katie, Albert, bigail) | OFF | Exhibit Visit | Exhibit Visit | Exhibit Visit | Reflection (K+A+A) | OFF |
lunch | |||||||
afternoon | Exhibit Visit | OFF | |||||
evening | . | OFF |
# | MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | . | . | . | . | . | FLY to BCN | ARRIVAL / check in / WELCOME DRINK |
11 | |||||||
12 |
Dancers, choreographers, and teachers Albert Quesada and Katie Vickers, who have experience in Spain, Belgium, and the US, are organizing a spectacular courses in the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain.BARNA ARTS offers international artists and students the opportunity to meet and learn from local artists, collaborate, and enjoy the cultural offerings of the city.
DANCE VENUES
Mercat de les Flors* Address: Carrer de Lleida, 59, 08004 Barcelona
* Metro: Poble Sec (L3), Espanya (L1, L3)
* Website: mercatflors.cat
* Description: Barcelona’s center for movement and dance arts, hosting contemporary performances and festivals.
La Caldera* Address: Carrer Eugeni d’Ors, 12, 08028 Barcelona
* Metro: Les Corts (L3)
* Website: lacaldera.info
* Description: Dance and performing arts creation center supporting research, residencies, training, and community programs. Founded in 1995, it is a key hub for contemporary dance in Barcelona.
INTERDISCIPLINARY VENUES
CCCB – Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona
* Address: Carrer de Montalegre, 5, 08001 Barcelona
* Metro: Catalunya (L1, L3), Universitat (L1, L2), Liceu (L3)
* Website: cccb.org
* Description: Interdisciplinary cultural hub with exhibitions, film, debates, and urban culture projects.
Museu de la Música de Barcelona* Address: Carrer de Lepant, 150, 08013 Barcelona (inside L’Auditori)
* Metro: Marina (L1), Glòries (L1), Monumental (L2)
* Website: ajuntament.barcelona.cat/museumusica/en
* Description: Collection of over 500 instruments and multimedia exploring music history and global sound heritage.
MACBA – Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona* Address: Plaça dels Àngels, 1, 08001 Barcelona
* Metro: Universitat (L1, L2), Catalunya (L1, L3), Liceu (L3)
* Website: macba.cat
* Description: Contemporary art museum focusing on late 20th-century and present-day experimental practices.
Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum)* Address: Carrer Montcada, 15–23, 08003 Barcelona
* Metro: Jaume I (L4), Arc de Triomf (L1)
* Website: museupicassobcn.cat
* Description: Houses one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s early works and his ties to Barcelona.
MNAC – Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya* Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona
* Metro: Espanya (L1, L3, L8)
* Website: museunacional.cat/en
* Description: National museum showcasing Catalan art from Romanesque frescoes to Modernist masterpieces, with stunning city views.
Fundació Joan Miró* Address: Parc de Montjuïc, Av. de Miramar, 1, 08038 Barcelona
* Metro: Espanya (L1, L3) + funicular to Montjuïc
* Website: fmirobcn.org
* Description: Modern art center founded by Joan Miró with an extensive collection of his works and temporary exhibitions.
Park Güell* Address: Carrer d’Olot, s/n, 08024 Barcelona
* Metro: Lesseps (L3), Vallcarca (L3) + uphill walk
* Website: parkguell.barcelona
* Description: Iconic Gaudí park featuring mosaic benches, architectural elements, and gardens; includes the Gaudí House Museum.
Casa Batlló (Gaudí)* Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona
* Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, L4)
* Website: casabatllo.es
* Description: Striking modernist residential building by Gaudí with fantastical shapes and colors.
Casa Milà – La Pedrera (Gaudí)* Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona
* Metro: Diagonal (L3, L5)
* Website: lapedrera.com
* Description: Gaudí’s innovative residential building with undulating stone façade and rooftop chimneys.
Palau Güell (Gaudí)* Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3–5, 08001 Barcelona
* Metro: Liceu (L3)
* Website: palauguell.cat
* Description: Gaudí’s early mansion for the Güell family, showcasing intricate interiors and rooftop views.
Casa Vicens (Gaudí)* Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 20–26, 08012 Barcelona
* Metro: Fontana (L3)
* Website: casavicens.org
* Description: Gaudí’s first major work, blending Moorish and Oriental influences with modernist creativity.
Fundació Antoni Tàpies* Address: Carrer d’Aragó, 255, 08007 Barcelona
* Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, L4)
* Website: fundaciotapies.org
* Description: Museum and cultural center dedicated to Antoni Tàpies, promoting dialogue between art and contemporary thought.
L’Auditori de Barcelona* Address: Carrer de Lepant, 150, 08013 Barcelona
* Metro: Marina (L1), Monumental (L2), Glòries (L1), Tram T4 (Auditori/Teatre Nacional)
* Website: auditori.cat
* Description: A modern music complex designed by Rafael Moneo, opened in 1999. It houses three main concert halls, the Museu de la Música, and serves as Barcelona’s cultural hub for symphonic, chamber, jazz, and educational programs.
Palau de la Música Catalana* Address: Carrer del Palau de la Música, 4–6, 08003 Barcelona
* Metro: Urquinaona (L1, L4)
* Website: palaumusica.cat
* Description: UNESCO-listed jewel of Catalan modernism, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1905–1908). Renowned for its stained glass, mosaics, and world-class concerts spanning symphonic, chamber, choral, and jazz.
Cinema Verdi* Address: Carrer de Verdi, 32, 08012 Barcelona
* Metro: Fontana (L3)
* Website: cines-verdi.com
* Description: Independent cinema in Gràcia known for arthouse, indie, and original-version films. A cultural landmark in Barcelona’s film scene since the 1980s.
Fabra i Coats – Centre d’Art Contemporani* Address: Carrer de Sant Adrià, 20, 08030 Barcelona
* Metro: Sant Andreu (L1), Onze de Setembre (L9, L10)
* Website: barcelona.cat/fabraicoats
* Description: Contemporary art center in a former textile factory. Hosts exhibitions, residencies, workshops, and interdisciplinary cultural projects in a revitalized industrial space.
CaixaForum Barcelona* Address: Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6–8, 08038 Barcelona
* Metro: Espanya (L1, L3, FGC)
* Website: caixaforum.org/barcelona
* Description: Cultural center housed in a former modernist textile factory designed by Puig i Cadafalch. Offers major art exhibitions, educational activities, concerts, and a vibrant cultural program.
Sagrada Família* Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona
* Metro: Sagrada Família (L2, L5)
* Website: sagradafamilia.org
* Description: Antoni Gaudí’s iconic basilica, under construction since 1882. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it combines Gothic and Art Nouveau forms and is one of the most visited monuments in Spain.
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