Learning art isn't the same as your ordinary school or university. It's a more extensive experience where you really have to work hard for your output. Many times, this may draw away some people who do want to learn about art but are too shy about their own skills. At least, at the Barcelona Academy of Art, they offer a less intensive curriculum which helps students take their time in honing their crafts. It's all about giving the artist a chance to know themselves before they express themselves.
Oftentimes, people think of art school as this wild congregation of creatives just making all sorts of art in a huge studio. And while there's some truth to that, this is more of a romantic overview of what an actual art-centered educational institution really is. There are some out there that, more than just help their students enhance their skills, also prepare them for their respective industries. One such is the BAU Design College of Barcelona. With a strong focus on disciplines such as graphic and fashion design, this school shapes their pupils into worth professionals.
Named after one of the greatest artists in history, the Davinci School of Art takes pride in focusing on the creative aspect of the industry. Nestled in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter—arguably the city's most artistic district—they provide a safe space for artists to really shine and go wild. They've also become prominent in introducing students to various professionals and acclaimed artists, crafting mentor-apprentice relationships that will help the students better navigate the industry when they eventually graduate.
Out of all the schools on this list, the ELISAVA Barcelona School of Design and Engineering is probably the one with the most focus on the creative industries at large. For them, art is no longer just a leisure activity or a specific lifestyle. They also treat is a real and thriving business, one that can be compared to that of finance, retail, media, and more. And so they remain their students in the rigors of both the corporate and creative side of the business of art.
What does one learn in an art school? How to draw a specific object? Better painting skills? Techniques on how to properly sculpt? No surprise there. These are common skills one can learn and enhance at every art school. However, the Escola d’Arts i Oficis de Barcelona, they offer special courses on more unique and fascinating disciplines. Here, you get to learn the art of jewelry-making, engraving, printing, and the like. Whilst they're not the general idea of what art is, they're worthy skills to have nonetheless!
Another prestigious art school in the famous Gothic Quarter is Estudio Nómada Barcelona. Well, while many regard it as an art school, it's more of a studio and workspace for artists. They do, however, offer courses for those about to enter the more formal and standard educational institutions. As well as general workshops of various artistic disciplines that just about anybody can learn. And if you're lucky, you might see a famous artist working or even just visiting here!
In a place like Barcelona, a historically artistic place, you'd sooner expect that their art schools here mainly focus on courses about traditional and classic art. And you're right, they do! But at IED Barcelona, you'll also get to learn the more modern modes and principles of art. Think graphic design, motion graphics, filmmaking, and the like. These are the contemporary movements that currently shape various industries, ranging from entertainment, news, fashion, and more!
Libremente Art Barcelona is an art school that understands that art is a global movement. It's a global industry and a global business, thus, one should be trained in such. This is what sets this institution apart from the other schools on this list. They gear their curriculums through an international understanding, even going so far as to have their courses taught in English, Spanish, and Italian. From their extensive courses to their design workshops, the viewpoint taught here spans across the globe!
Teaching art within an enclosed space can only do so much. Art isn't like finance, marketing, politics, or other fields out there. One can not grasp it fully by just spending time in a classroom or studio. The Metàfora’s Studio Arts Program knows this and so, they've incorporated a more free-flowing curriculum for their students. Their pupils are encouraged to go outside and see the world, get advice from artists and professionals, and hone their own voice and skills their own way.
Finally, if you want a more standard approach to getting educated with art, Universitat de Barcelona Faculty of Fine Arts might be the place for you. Part of their undergraduate studies, you get to approach art in a more academic level here. From the history of art to the various principles tha drive the industry and many other businesses today, you'll learn a lot in this university. Just make sure you know how to speak Spanish because that's the only language used here!
Barcelona isn't just a hub for art, it's also a great launching pad for artists who want to become the next movers and shakers of it. The many art schools in the Catalan capital will better mold you to be the artist you want to be. Who knows? You might just be the next Picasso!