Being an emerging artist could be a field of study in itself. What does it really mean? Is it simply a stage in one’s career, a label granted by institutions, or a state of constant reinvention? Who decides when an artist has “emerged”?

Typically, we think of emerging artists as creators at the early stages of their practice — still navigating exhibitions, refining their skills, and searching for a clear artistic direction. At this stage, they need access to spaces where learning, experimentation, creation, and exchange can flourish. This is where artistic residencies play a vital role.

Residencies offer more than just time and space to work. They are environments designed for deep thinking, exploration, and creative risk-taking. Perhaps most importantly, they foster connections between people with shared sensibilities but diverse and complementary perspectives on art and the world. These encounters often lead to unexpected collaborations and lasting networks — a richness that goes far beyond the residency itself.

Here in Catalonia, just 30 minutes outside Barcelona in the quiet town of Cabrils, Sottobosco offers exactly this kind of space. The residency is surrounded by nature yet close enough to the city to stay connected to its energy. Stepping away from Barcelona’s intensity allows artists to slow down, focus deeply, and reconnect with their own rhythm, without the constant noise of the urban art circuit.

Sottobosco is a residency for emerging artists working with sound, light, audiovisual media, and technology, all inspired by nature. Here, the natural environment becomes both subject and partner in creation — a living, breathing backdrop that invites introspection and innovation. Away from the distractions of the city, artists gain the mental and physical space to investigate, experiment, and immerse themselves fully in their practice.

This year’s edition, taking place in the last week of September, will begin with a group workshop especially crafted by Xav to help artists find clarity within — aligning with their true nature, just like the forest that surrounds them.

Mentorship is at the heart of the programme, offering both theoretical and practical guidance to support each artist’s research. The residency also encourages peer-to-peer learning, enabling creators to discover others working in related fields, opening doors to co-creations and future collaborations.

Every edition culminates in a public showcase, and this year’s will take place on October 5th, when we open the doors of the Centre Civic Masia Mas Maria to present the works of Sottobosco’s residents alongside invited artists. This moment of exchange — with direct audience feedback — is as much a part of the learning process as the creation itself.

For emerging artists, residencies are a catalyst for growth. They offer a rare chance to professionalise one’s practice in a supportive, stimulating environment, while building a meaningful network of peers and mentors.

Interested in Sottobosco?

To learn more, visit Sottobosco’s website and follow them on Instagram.