Estudio Nómada is an art school, studio, gallery and residency all in one, located in the centre of Barcelona. It was founded in 2008, with the aim of creating an international and open environment for artists to experiment and expand their creative skills. The concept began when founders Arnout and Iris arrived in Barcelona and began renting a studio and exhibition space for creatives who love travel and art. They were soon approached by an art student seeking individual guidance, which lead to the idea of offering individual mentorship to artists on a more organised basis.
The school and programme use a hands-on and exciting approach to art studies, encouraging students to live ‘the life of an artist’ and focus on their own artistic development in an independent studio setting. During their time at the school, students will take classes, which are designed to enhance their own personal, artistic style, and have unlimited access to the art studio. After creating enough work, all nomads get the chance to showcase their work in the gallery space adjacent to the school in the new gallery district of downtown Barcelona.
Artists and students also have the unique opportunity to join a residency program at an old wine estate in L’Alt Penedés to fully focus on their work. In 2014, Arnout and Iris restored a large, 250-year-old wine farm, located approximately 60km outside of the centre of Barcelona, providing a peaceful area surrounded by vineyards for artists to escape the chaos of the city. The studio boasts high ceilings, an ensuite private room, a fully-equipped screen printing workshop and more, with many benefits to allow students or artists to make the most of their residency, and truly live as an artist in Barcelona.