How art workshops united migrant women and girls in Madrid
How art workshops united migrant women and girls in Madrid

Spain | Together with artist and Royal Talens Spain colleague Pilar Barrios Varela, fifteen migrant women and girls created four beautiful ‘Vertical Gardens’. During the process they found strength, confidence and support with each other. This is how they did it.

Crafting ‘Vertical Gardens’ with paper

In eight sessions the participants created four big ‘Vertical Gardens’ (100 x 70 cm) made with coloured paper on painted cardboard bases. It was taught by illustrator Pilar Barrios Varela, specialized in paper art and engineering. The finished works were exhibited at the headquarters of the Colombian Embassy in Madrid.

Each workshop they discussed colour theory, composition, inspirations and techniques with paper and art. They also talked about the creative process itself and the ability to have ideas and materialize them with our own hands and some simple materials. It really is impressive!

Building community and confidence through art

The women and girls are all residents of San Cristóbal, a neighbourhood in Madrid. They come from different Latin American, African and Middle Eastern countries, all populations at high risk of social exclusion.

The workshop offered a safe space for the participants where they shared conversations, concerns and laughter. They felt welcomed and took great pleasure in learning new techniques and expressing themselves artistically. During the workshop they even discovered a new talent within themselves and found a strong motivation to continue creating.

Above all, they created a sense of community. The group mentioned that they gained strength, confidence and well-being within this team. Together they shared much needed support, company and affection.

About the organisation

The workshops were an initiative of FLIPAS, Urban Cultures Laboratory, who connect many international and local artists in residencies, such as Pilar Barrios Varela, and organise workshops for children and teens in Madrid and surroundings. The workshops were held in Casa San Cristóbal, a space of the Montemadrid Foundation for multiculturalism and integration through education, culture and solidarity. The project was brought to life with the products of Royal Talens Spain.

Related blogs

Behind the scenes: Visit by Vanbinnennaarbuiten - Royal Talens
Foundation

Dans les coulisses : visite de Vanbinnennaarbuiten

Un groupe de Vanbinnennaarbuiten s'est rendu chez Royal Talens pour une visite guidée, à la découverte de la production et...
Robert Lapoujade painting installed at Royal Talens factory - Royal Talens
Foundation

Une peinture de Robert Lapoujade exposée à l'usine Royal Talens

Une peinture de Robert Lapoujade a été installée dans l'usine Royal Talens, rétablissant ainsi le lien entre l'héritage artistique de...
Creative workshops help newcomer children feel at home - Royal Talens
Foundation

Des ateliers créatifs aident les enfants nouvellement arrivés à se sentir chez eux

Grâce à ces ateliers hebdomadaires, les enfants nouvellement arrivés explorent la créativité, la culture et leurs perspectives d'avenir, ce qui...
Reading and Making Art with Children at a Refugee Centre - Royal Talens
Foundation

Lecture et activités artistiques avec des enfants dans un centre d’accueil pour réfugiés

Dans un centre d’accueil pour réfugiés en Belgique, les enfants ont combiné lecture et art lors d’un atelier qui encourageait...
From guided tour to shared table: Rotary Club Apeldoorn at Royal Talens - Royal Talens
Foundation

De la visite guidée au repas en commun : le Rotary Club d'Apeldoorn chez Royal Talens

Dans le cadre d'une soirée spéciale, le Rotary Club d'Apeldoorn s'est rendu chez Royal Talens pour une visite guidée et...
Public Art in Apeldoorn: Investing in Art Together - Royal Talens
Foundation

L'art public à Apeldoorn : investir ensemble dans l'art

La Fondation Royal Talens s'engage dans un projet d'art public à Apeldoorn : une fresque murale en milieu urbain qui...
KindleArt’s 3D‑ID Project: Young creators exploring identity through contemporary art - Royal Talens
Foundation

Projet 3D‑ID de KindleArt : de jeunes créateurs explorent leur identité à travers l’art contemporain

Le projet 3D‑ID de KindleArt invite les jeunes participants à explorer leur identité et leur créativité au moyen d’œuvres tridimensionnelles,...
Evening Tour for Les Bons Vivants: A visit highlighting local connections - Royal Talens
Foundation

Visite du soir pour Les Bons Vivants : Une visite qui met en valeur les liens locaux

Le 19 février, nous avons accueilli Les Bons Vivants pour une visite nocturne et un dîner, offrant un aperçu de...