Joya: group residencies

As an ‘arts led field research centre’ Joya: arte + ecología extends the opportunity of a residency to students/groups so that they can share the experience many other universities have enjoyed over the past four years. We have successfully hosted (and repeat) group residencies from the following universities… University of London, Goldsmiths MFA. University of the Arts London, Camberwell MA, Chelsea BA MA, Wimbledon BA MA. Buckinghamshire BA. Free University of Berlin BA MA Earth Sciences. The Slade School of Art BA. Manchester School of Art BA. Aberystwyth BA. University of Granada Ldo. MA. We have agreements of cooperation and collaboration with the last two of these universities. We have recently made a short video with artist Miranda Whall and some of her students from Aberystwyth.

The group residencies with universities augment our existing residency programme and curatorial agenda as well as helping us to manifest trans-disciplinary projects. Members of academic staff normally accompany group residencies from respective universities but this isn’t always necessary. We see our roll as explaining how you can live ecologically and responsibly. We explain the alpine desert environment around us and we introduce them to on-going projects being made in collaboration with other artists or researchers. Often we are invited to the university beforehand to give a talk about Joya: arte + ecología and introduce the group residency offer. From an educational perspective some of our universities have used us as an opportunity for students to understand the application procedure for residencies internationally. We introduce the concept as a means for students to gain experience and continue with their personal and professional practice after their degrees.

  • "The students are eclectic and super enthusiastic, investigating every mountain and valley experimenting with land-based installation, moulding clay, weaving dry grass, alternative photography techniques, embroidery, stone carving and much more. It has been great to bring this collective force of nature into the natural habitat of the high sierras of Almería."

    Manchester School of Art / Manchester Metropolitan University

    Group Residency Overview

  • "Walking through the barrancos near Joya brought back my desert sensibility. After moving to London, I'd struggled to stay connected to that in my work. The pieces I made here were reclaimed directly from the land: rebar, stone, timber, thistle. I wasn't illustrating the landscape, but working with what it offered—creating tension tied to the terrain."

    Royal College of Art / McConnell Quinn

    Interior Design / Sculpture

  • "The residency gave me the opportunity to step back and reflect on my painting practice and experiment with other mediums. Being immersed in the peaceful landscape allowed space to develop my drawing technique and find new subject matter. The freedom and long sunny days allowed exploring, drawing and collaboration with other students."

    Manchester School of Art / Rachel Clancy

    MA Painting

  • "What attracted me was the freedom from digital mediums I'd relied on. I found a place that resembled a home while existing in a completely different environment. Plant weaving, 3D modeling, and alternative photography became my focus. Donna and Simon gave insight that informed my work. An absolutely amazing experience and place."

    Manchester School of Art / Brianna Beckford

    MFA Painting

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