Metàfora’s Studio Arts Program consists of a series of practical art classes, supplemented by tutorials, theory and other activities.
The core activities are:
The table below illustrates a typical week on the course.
Please note:
Some Tools and Techniques classes are repeated both in the mornings and afternoons, and full time students can chose between the two sessions. During the evenings and weekends students focus on their individual studio work, with the flexibility to work in their studios throughout the day.
Each Block over the academic year is structured in the following way:
Weeks 1-4:
Typical weeks as described below
Week 5:
Extra tutorials, class free days and Presentation by students from the Foundation Program
Week 6:
Presentation by students from the Certificate and Diploma, Evaluation Interviews. Take down days.
Some of the blocks in the Winter-Spring semester are longer, due to Easter vacations and preparation days for the last Open Studio exhibition in June.
Have a look here to see all course dates.
Metàfora’s Studio Arts Program program offers a different Tools and Techniques class for students to attend every day. These optional classes lasts for the whole block, and students choose the classes they are interested in at the beginning of each studio block
In addition to the individual studio work which unfolds throughout the course, every block students have a selection of workshops to choose from. These elective classes are added to the weekly schedule of mandatory classes especially for the level they are on, as well as a series of core activities such as:
Weekly group tutorials or individual tutorials
In small groups of up to 8 students who share similar ideas, techniques and/or artistic interests. Metàfora’s Studio Arts Program has the privilege to count with a set of extremely skilled teachers and talented tutors. We take pride in working with artists who are the cutting edge of Barcelona’s art scene, with experience both in teaching and as artists.
Students have several scheduled group meetings per block and at least one individual meeting with the in-house tutor.
Weekly Paint and Sculpture Labs
An optional weekly consultation space, where you can ask your painting or sculpture teacher anything related to the technique. It is recommended to book your slot in advance.
Extra tutorials
Towards the end of each block all students have the possibility for having extra tutorials with their personal tutor, and other tutors and teachers on the course.
End of Theme Presentations and Discourse Reviews
At the end of every studio block, all students on the course present their artwork to their personal tutors and the rest of the group of students and tutors.
These weeks are among the most intense and inspiring moments of the Studio Arts Program, bringing the group together in all senses through debate and celebration of creativity. The idea behind the presentations or the “Crit” is that students work on preparing a piece of finished artwork and show it in an “exhibition like” format.
Evaluation Interviews
At the end of each Block, once the presentations are over, students have a one-on-one evaluation interview with their tutor. In this meeting they look back on the block together, and discuss work and progress and the proposed grade for the presentation.
It is compelling to see how each student customizes this space. Some fill their studios up with art ideas and artworks, others keep it organized, some bring plants, some even set up libraries and bring sofas, whilst others bring in furniture from the streets to create an eclectic vibe.
Each art student is allocated an individual studio space between 6-8 square meters. Each studio has 3 walls, a desk and a chair, however that’s all they have in common, as each space has its individual features.
Every studio space is a wonderful personal universe in which we hope that the student feels comfortable, inspired and productive.
The studio spaces at Metàfora are open between 9:00-23:00, seven days a week except on a few public holidays. Students can enter their studios via the back alley entrance out of office hours.
During studio time, students quietly concentrate on their art, navigate the internet and ask each other’s opinion when in doubt about their artwork. The studio spaces are conveniently located close to the school patios, perfect for coffee breaks and chats in the sun.
Metàfora’s Studio Arts Program is designed in accumulative blocks that start several times a year. This means that students can join the art course for one block (which lasts for about 6 weeks) and then decide whether to stay on for longer.
There are 5 different student take-ins during the year and short term students simply “jump in” as visitors to the all-year course.
Both long- and short-term students on Metàfora’s Studio Arts Programs can attend courses from Metàfora’s Art Therapy department with a 25% discount.
Students who cannot come for 6 full time weeks (or longer) during the year have the academic year have other possibilities of attending Metàfora’s Studio Arts Programs.
The Summer Block is a four week version of the habitual course, only more intensive and with a program which allows students to sign up for down to one week.
As a new option, students can choose to study part time at Metàfora. This option is a very flexible and reduced version of the full time course, with most of the benefits, allowing the students to study at a much slower pace.
visit Metàfora’s YouTube channel