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We are now, more than ever, at your disposal with quality information — subscripcions.ara.cat | 932 751 110 WELCOME We hope that this guide, which is INDEXINDEX prepared by the BCU in conjunction with ARA GETTING TO KNOW US AND MORE newspaper, will help all Getty Marc Rovira newcomers to enjoy Barcelona and as if they were natives. We want to welcome you and make it easier for you to settle here. That is why we have included in these pages a lot of Barcelona in 10 concepts ...... 4-5 Getting around ...... 22-23 information about what to see An integrated knowledge system ...... 6-7 Get in touch with nature ...... 24-25 and do, and where and when and Barcelona on the silver screen ...... 8-9 Enjoy ...... 26-27 where to do so. Instagram-worthy spots ...... 10-11 Why I’m staying here ...... 28 Don’t miss it! ...... 12-13-14-16 Talent welcome ...... 29 Catalonia has a long history of A city of architecture ...... 18-19 A sporting nation ...... 30-31 welcoming newcomers and we Catalan Modernism ...... 20 are very happy that you have Sant Jordi ...... 21 chosen our city as a place to study, teach or do research. TALENT CITY CULTURE AND LEISURE When living with us, you will also Cèlia Atset Francesc Melcion be able to explore a rich and ancient culture and two official languages, in addition to English, which many of us can also speak. We are happy to share this city and this country with people from all over the world because we can also learn from you and Music ...... 64 we hope to find the best way to Art ...... 65 Scenic arts ...... 66 enjoy life together. Film ...... 67

In Barcelona you can study, do Nightlife ...... 68 research, work and above all Shopping ...... 69 enjoy an extraordinary quality of life by the sea. FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD We would like to invite all of David Borrat you, both newcomers and locals, The internationalization of the Catalan to get to know our culture, our knowledge system ...... 32-33 universities, our science, Barça, Generating and attracting talent ...... 34 the Sagrada Família and also Sant Student Guide ...... 35-52 Open for business ...... 53 Jordi, the markets, the music, and Knowledge transfer ...... 54-55 everything that Barcelona has to Coworking ...... 56 offer. An expert’s opinion ...... 57 Traditional cuisine ...... 70 We look forward to seeing you Deep Tech ...... 58-59 Michelin-starred cuisine ...... 71 SDGs ...... 60-61 Informal cuisine ...... 72 at BCU! Barcelona International Welcome ...... 62 Drinks ...... 74

Get involved ...... 63 Sweet treats ...... 75

FRONT COVER Jordi Olivé ACCESS ALL CONTENTS AT ARA.CAT

TALENT GUIDE TEXTS BCU DIRECTOR Montse Serret EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ARA Esther Vera COORDINATION ARA Ignasi Aragay, Georgina Ferri BCU Olga Vallejo ORIGINAL DESIGN AND LAYOUT Cristina Córdoba BCU TEAM Maria del Mar Roig and Toni Pla ARA BCU DESIGN Global Design Development, S.L. GRAPHIC EDITING Dani Ríos EDITING Rosa Rodon LANGUAGE Albert Pla 2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 3 GETTING TO KNOW US FRIENDLY AND COSMOPOLITAN A STRATEGIC LOCATION

Barcelona is home to over 1.6 million people, a figure that Few cities in the world can boast of an rises to almost 5 million if we consider the entire international airport, a port, and a trade Barcelona metropolitan area. The capital city of Catalonia fair with commercial and logistics is vibrant and multicultural and more than 20% of its activity within a radius of only five population hails from other countries. The atmosphere kilometres. Barcelona’s geostrategic here is buzzing with art and culture. It’s a place where position and excellent communications new, emerging art, which is being actively fostered, –it’s the world’s fifth city in terms of coexists with older artistic expressions, which are highly mobility services (Tech Cities in Motion valued and enduring. Within this environment, which is 2019)– make it the European gateway so full of contrasts, we think and work in a network, to the world. 20% of ’s exports are because diversity enriches and stimulates us all. generated in the Barcelona metropolitan area. With 256 routes connecting more than 145 European destinations and 47 intercontinental destinations, Barcelona-El Prat Airport is considered to be the second-best airport in the world. (Skytrax World Airport Awards 2019).

Francesc Melcion Dani Ríos BARCELONA IN 10 CONC

Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural cities in the world –a place where you can live well while striking a good balance between your personal and professional life. It lies in a strategic spot, open to the sea, with a mild climate and a long tradition of welcoming strangers. So, it’s hardly surprising that it’s a magnet for talent from near and far, as well as being a favourite venue for the world’s top cultural and technological events and one of the best cities in the world in which to set up and grow your business. Are you interested in finding out what makes the city tick? Here are the 10 concepts that we think define it best.

Dani Ríos A MAGNET FOR START-UPS

Barcelona’s innovative ecosystem nurtures entrepreneurship and start-ups, Marc Rovira thanks to its universities, business SUSTAINABLE LIVING schools, a diversified productive fabric, international events such as the Mobile The city is moving towards a model based on environmental, social and economic World Congress, incubators, sustainability, applied with a responsible approach to both people and the accelerators and coworking spaces, environment. In terms of mobility, 55% of the journeys in the city are undertaken on which all contribute to making it a major foot or by bicycle on its 200 km of cycle lanes, 30% by public transport and less hub for start-ups in southern Europe and than 15% by private transport. In addition to private bicycles, there is a public bicycle the third favourite location for start-up sharing system that chalks up some 1.2 million monthly trips. Are you a bicycle fan? creators (Startup Heatmap Europe This is the city for you! 2019).

4 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21

LANGUAGES A CITY OF TALENT A COMPETITIVE ECONOMIC DRIVER Catalan society is multilingual. The world’s fourth most attractive city for Catalan is the native and official global talent (2018) and the fifth for digital Catalonia spearheaded the industrial language of Catalonia. Virtually experts (2019), Barcelona is great at revolution in southern Europe and is now everyone understands it (94.4%) and creating, attracting, and retaining at the forefront of the digital revolution. 81.2% of the population speak it. And scientific, artistic, and entrepreneurial Compared to other cities in the region Spanish, which everyone speaks and talent. It creates talent thanks to a public with a similar profile, the competitiveness understands, is the most widely spoken language. More than a third university system that meets the most on offer here in terms of operating costs of the population speaks and demanding standards in Europe. Almost and the ability to retain talent make it understands English, while a 47% of Catalonia’s active population has especially attractive for international quarter of the population had a university education. A true investors and entrepreneurs. The also speaks French. international talent magnet, it’s a city that Financial Times has hailed it the best offers easy and fast personal and regional capital in southern Europe to professional integration. invest in for the third consecutive year.

A LIFE-LONG PROJECT

In 2020, Barcelona has appeared in the rankings as the seventh best city in the world for striking a balance between one’s working and personal life (Expat City Ranking). Barcelona offers a variety of features that not only make it an attractive tourist destination, but also a great place to live, work, learn, invest in and start up a business. It’s a city that offers you everything you need at different

Francesc Melcion Manolo García stages of your life. Francesc Melcion CEPTS Cèlia Atset Francesc Melcion KNOWLEDGE AT THE A COMPACT AND Cèlia Atset SERVICE OF PEOPLE HETEROGENEOUS URBAN ENVIRONMENT CREATIVE INSPIRATION Barcelona is the fourth most innovative European city, thanks to a Barcelona’s urban environment is True to its spirit, and with a long tradition of powerful research and innovation relatively compact, with spaces that welcoming geniuses and creators working ecosystem consisting of an adapt to different uses and habits. in a variety of disciplines, Barcelona is the extensive network of top-level The city’s neighbourhoods are ninth ranking European city in terms of research centres and public places where you can work, shop, culture and creativity (2019). Here, artistic universities. Catalonia, with 1.5% of study, kick back in your free time production and innovation are actively the population of the European and create your own family, fostered, and professionals from different Union, accounts for 2.6% of its developing diverse facets of your life sectors find it to be the ideal place to let scientific production. This is in a cosy environment. It’s an urban their talent flow. So, if you have ideas that knowledge that benefits a society planning model that is designed to you want to work on and develop, you’ve that is increasingly aware of the foster interaction, the exchange of come to the right place. transformative power of research. ideas and social cohesion.

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 5 AN INTEGRATED 82,096 KNOWLEDGE VOCATIONAL STUDENTS IN PROFESSIONAL SYSTEM TRAINING STUDIES

Catalonia offers a unique environment, In addition to education, universities play one that generates knowledge and talent an essential role in research and and fosters the development of activities knowledge transfer. Barcelona is also one of excellence thanks to research centres of the European cities with the highest of international renown and a high- concentration of prestigious business quality, prestigious higher education schools, two of which –Iese and Esade– system that interacts with an attractive are among the top 25 in the world and dynamic ecosystem of research- according to the Financial Times (2019). linked infrastructures, including the Catalonia is also one of the major Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC- research centres in Europe and a world CNS) and Sincrotró Alba, making for a leader in fields like computing, biohealth, favourable environment for start-ups. photonics, nanotechnology and Barcelona is currently the third favourite chemistry, with an impressive ability to city in Europe for start-ups and also hosts create, attract and retain national and knowledge-based projects, such as international talent. Public policies Mobile World Capital and ISE, all of which actively promote research, technological make up a diversified productive fabric. development and innovation, as With the aim of constructing the evidenced by the existence of large-scale knowledge-based Catalonia of the future, infrastructures and unique scientific and the government of the Generalitat has technical facilities, a network of scientific approved the National Pact for a and technology parks, as well as the Knowledge Society (PN @ SC), a nation- CERCA foundation, which is made up of wide agreement that promotes a a large number of independent research strategy that aims to bring together the centres located around the country. As a fields of higher education, research and result of this commitment to R + D + I, innovation with the productive economy. Catalonia is a global power in scientific The Catalan university system, which research, producing 1.3% of the world’s is made up of 12 universities - seven scientific articles despite having only 0.1% 627, 693 public institutions (University of of the world’s population, and 40% of BUSINESSES Barcelona, Autonomous University of these articles are published in high- Barcelona, Polytechnic University of impact scientific journals. Barcelona, Catalonia, Pompeu Fabra University, which has the largest number of University of Lleida, University of , universities, research institutes and Rovira i Virgili University), four private centres, is the fifth ranking city in terms of centres (Ramon Llull University, University scientific production in Europe. of - Central University of Catalonia, International University of Catalonia and Abat Oliba CEU University) and an on-line university (Open University of Catalonia) –is a first-class teaching environment, according to various rankings. Catalan universities are among the top 200 in the Times Higher Education and QS 2020 World Rankings, and five of its universities are among the top 100 in the European ranking for teaching (Times HigherEducation 2019).

6 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 357,992 +30,000 STUDENTS INTERNATIONAL % OF THE STUDENTS ENROLLED TOTAL NUMBER IN HIGHER OF STUDENTS EDUCATION in Catalonia’s higher education system in the 6.8% 275,896 following percentages DEGREE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS depending on the type of 24.5% studies: MASTER 32.9% DOCTORATE

1,449 HIGHER LEVEL EDUCATION TITLES THE 508 FIGURES UNIVERSITY DEGREES 594 UNIVERSITY MASTERS 48,552 242 PEOPLE DEDICATED TO R+D DOCTORATES 105 +1,500 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING CYCLES START-UPS GENERATING SOME 17,000 JOBS 57 RESEARCH CENTRES 6,767 39 INNOVATORS CERCA 16,339 7 LINKED TO TIC SECTOR HOSPITALS 1,500 3 RUN IN START-UPS CONJUNCTION 18 WITH CSIC CSIC

CARNET JOVE

If you’re between 12 and 30 years of age, you can apply for a card for young people known as the Carnet Jove, which gives you access to discounts in areas like culture, tourism, sports, health, training, technology and leisure. Download the mobile application to find out about all the advantages it can offer you. www.carnetjove.cat

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 7 BARCELONA ON THE SILVER SCREEN The city of Barcelona has been the setting for a number of films and the directors chose several emblematic and lesser-known spots for their film shoots. The Barcelona Film Commission portal offers information about the films shot in Barcelona and in the rest of Catalonia. www.bcncatfilmcommission.com

1. 2. PALAU DE LA MÚSICA 3. TORRE GLÒRIES

‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ ‘All About My Mother’ ‘Gomorra’. Season 1 (2014) by Woody Allen (2008) by Pedro Almodóvar (1999) One of the storylines in this TV Vicky and Cristina are two American friends Manuela returns to Barcelona after 18 adaptation of Roberto Saviano’s book is spending a summer in Barcelona, where they years and asks an old friend, who is set in Barcelona. The sea, the three meet the painter Juan Antonio and his ex-wife, now a transgender woman called chimneys of the power plant on what is María Elena. The city is another character in Agrado, if she can stay at her home. known locally as Chernobyl Beach, the the film, which is why some of its most iconic She lives in front of the Palau de la Olympic Port and what was then called places and monuments appear in it. Cristina Música, a Catalan Modernist gem and the Agbar Tower all bear witness to the and María Elena’s love of photography takes the only concert hall to be declared a dirty dealings of Neapolitan mafiosos. them to the Parc de la Ciutadella. It was the Unesco World Heritage Site. It was The Torre Glòries, a tribute by the first to be designed as a public park in the city built between 1905 and 1908 by the architect Jean Nouvel to the architecture and hosted the 1888 Universal Exposition. The Catalan modernist architect Lluís of Antoni Gaudí and the mountain of park comprises a number of different spaces - Domènech i Montaner as the Montserrat, has been part of Barcelona’s the Zoo, the Umbracle tropical greenhouse headquarters of the Orfeó Català and skyline since 2005. Standing tall in the and a lake where you can take a boat ride. The continues to host all kinds of cultural 22@ technology district, this cylindrical waterfall is another stand-out and was events. skyscraper (144 m) is a smart office block constructed by Josep Fontserè with the help www.palaumusica.cat and the third tallest skyscraper in the of a young Antoni Gaudí and some of the top city. A lookout point is planned for the sculptors of the time. top floor. It’s a spectacular sight when its 4,500 LED lights are switched on.

5. 4. PLAÇA DE LA VIRREINA ‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’ ‘Cites’ by Pau Freixas. by Tom Tykwer (2006) 6. PLAÇA REIAL Season 1 (2015) The narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona is one of the many characters in the the Labyrinth of Horta and the Poble ‘L’Auberge Espagnole’ TV series Cites, which depicts the first Espanyol are the settings for this adaptation by Cédric Klapisch (2002) meeting of many different couples. In the of Patrick Süskind’s homonymous novel. For Xavier spends a year in Barcelona as an episode in which Víctor and Clàudia carry a the film, Barcelona simulates 18th century Erasmus student and shares a flat with sofa through the narrow streets of the Gràcia France, and one of the crowd scenes takes other European students. Upon arrival, neighbourhood, they are shown standing in place in the main square of the Poble loaded down with a suitcase, bags and a the middle of Plaça de la Virreina, one of the Espanyol. This open-air architectural backpack, he crosses Plaça Reial, one of district’s many squares, with the fountain of La museum, created on the hillside of Montjuïc the few porticoed squares in the city, built Rut and the church of Sant Joan in the for the 1929 Universal Exposition, consists by the architect Francesc Daniel Molina background and café tables jammed with of 117 buildings that recreate the typical from 1849 to 1859 for the bourgeois people around the clock –this is undoubtedly houses, squares and streets of selected families who were regulars at the Gran one of the most iconic sites in Gràcia. While Spanish cities and towns. It was supposed Teatre del opera house, which had you’re here, take the opportunity to stroll to be a short-lived venture but proved so just opened a stone’s throw away from the around and explore the small shops and the popular that almost a century later it’s still square. Don’t miss the six-armed lanterns, wide range of gastronomy and leisure venues one of the most visited tourist spots in the which were one of Antoni Gaudí’s first in this oasis in the heart of the city. city. www.poble-espanyol.com creations.

8 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 9 LIBRARIES SARRIÀ - SANT GERVASI The Barcelona Municipal Library Network is the city’s largest cultural facility. Out of a total of 40 public libraries - all with Wi-Fi - 27 also have a multimedia space. With the library card, which is free, personal and non-transferable and valid GRÀCIA in all libraries in Catalonia, you can borrow books, consult specialized archives and take part in reading 4 clubs. The card also secures you discounts on a number of cultural activities and services.

EIXAMPLE 3 5 2 8. PASSEIG DEL BORN 7 10 SANT MARTÍ SANTS-MONTJUÏC 6 1 ‘Killing Eve’ by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. 8 Season 3 (2020) We have already seen the hired assassin CIUTAT VELLA Villanelle dispatching his victims in several European capitals. In the latest season, Villanelle could not resist the charm of the Passeig del Born, a medieval street that connects the old 7. PASSEIG DE LLUÍS COMPANYS and the church of Santa Maria del Mar, two essential stops. Since ‘The Last Days’ by Àlex and David Pastor (2013) 2013, the former has hosted the Born In an apocalyptic Barcelona, where life takes place underground because of an Centre for Culture and Memory, a space epidemic of agoraphobia, we can see Passeig Lluís Companys full of traffic, for meetings, debates and exhibitions, abandoned cars and the enveloped by flames. The arch was built for while the latter is one of the best the 1888 Universal Exposition. It was the gateway to the fair, which was held in Parc examples of Catalan Gothic architecture de la Ciutadella. The architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas was the creator of this you can find in Barcelona. Come on in, icon of the city, a 30-metre-high monument made of red brick in the neo-Mudejar take a look around and enjoy yourself! style, which symbolized a gateway to modernity.

10. RAMBLA DEL RAVAL

‘En construcción’ (Work in Progress) by José Luis Guerín (2001) 9. TIBIDABO AMUSEMENT PARK This documentary chronicles the transformation of Barcelona’s Barrio Chino or ‘The Machinist’ by Brad Anderson (2004) Chinatown, the name by which the Raval was Trevor, played by Christian Bale, accepts Maria’s invitation to go with her and known before its remodelling. The film takes her son to Tibidabo. But your visit is sure to be more placid than theirs. You place in Carrer d’en Robador and Carrer de won’t find the Route 666 train, but if you want to get good and scared, head Sant Pau, which lie next to Rambla del Raval, a for the Hotel Krüeger, where horror movie characters live. You also have at boulevard created by the City Council in 1995 your disposal quieter classic rides such as the airplane, the watchtower, the after demolishing an entire block of flats. You Giradabo (ferris wheel) and the carousel, which stands at 500 metres above will be surprised by Fernando Botero’s The Cat, sea level and offers great views. The amusement park has been a symbol of a huge feline statue that contemplates life on the city since it first opened back in 1901. www.tibidabo.cat this boulevard.

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 9 INSTAGRAM- WORTHY SPOTS

Everywhere you go in Barcelona, you’ll find tourists and locals, camera or phone in hand, ready to capture a detail, a street, incredible facades, sculptures, monuments, sensations… If you want to be popular on Instagram just open up your eyes: Barcelona and its metropolitan area will become your best allies.

Jordi Roviralta

THE PATIO OF THE FREDERIC MARÈS MUSEUM

Heaven lies just a stone’s throw away from the cathedral in this haven set amidst the bustle of Dani Ríos tourists. What in the Middle Ages was the Orchard of the Royal Palace of the Counts of PLAÇA DE SANT FELIP NERI Barcelona is now the lobby of the Frederic Marès Museum, a This charming square is also brimming with peaceful spot with a small cafe history. During the Spanish Civil War, the bombs enveloped in history, trees and dropped by Franco’s allies destroyed the church plants, from where you see the of Sant Felip Neri, which the neighbourhood’s dome of the cathedral. For the children were using as an air raid shelter, killing Corpus Christi festivities, don’t 42 people. In the middle of the last century, the miss the Dancing Egg in the site was converted into a square, though you can fountain with the patio still see signs of bomb damage on the façade of decorated with flowers. the church. There is a decorative fountain in the Plaça Sant Iu, 5, Barcelona middle of the square, which is surrounded by Renaissance buildings, and the rosewood trees offer welcoming shade. In summer, the aroma from the carpet of orange fallen flowers and the noise of the water will leave you entranced.

10 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 Getty

MASIAMASIA FREIXA

With its parabolicparabolic arches and sinuous roof,rooof, this is one of the most iconic bbuildingsuildings in Terrassa. A CataCatalanla modernist farmhouse,farmhouse, it’s located in Parc de Sant JJordi,ord and is the work of thethe arcarchitecthitect LLluísluís MuncuniMuncunill,ll, wwhoho was ccommissionedoom to transformfhFiiSf the Freixa i Sans factory iinto a familyfa residence. It’s now the site of the Terrassa Tourist Office, which offers free guided tours from Monday to Sunday at 12 noon. Plaça de Josep Freixa i Argemí, 11, Terrassa (Barcelona)

Getty

WALDEN 7

PerePere VirgiliVirgili TheThe aarchitectrchitect RiRicardocardo BBofillofill ccreatedreated thithiss rresidentialesi complexcomplex on the site ooff an old cement pplant.lant. The project,project, which was orioriginallyginally called City in SSpace, was THE BUNKERS OFF CCARMELARMEL designeddi d to bbe an alternative l i to the h traditiotraditional dii housing block in the shape of a micro-city, though only the first This is one of the city’s sseveneven viewviewpointspoints and lies at the totopp ooff phase was actually built. This vertical labyrinth, which the Rovira hill (262m). It’st’s thehi site of fh the anti-aircraft ii fb batteries i is made up of seven inner courtyards connected on that defended the city from air raids during the Spanish Civil every floor, has living spaces that are linked in War and was a military barracks until 1990, before becoming modules, ranging from studio apartments to duplex public property in 2011. You can go there by public transport or flats. The 30,000m2 construction, which stands like a by private vehicle, but you’ll still have to walk up the last stretch. modern-day castle is also a favourite setting for As a reward you’ll be able to enjoy incredible views of Barcelona. adverts. Ctra. Reial, 106, Sant Just Desvern The Barcelona History Museum (Muhba) has installed five (Barcelona) www.walden7.com information panels that make for a great self-guided tour. The site can get crowded, especially at weekends, but it’s still worth making your way here. Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n, Barcelona 2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 11 MEDITERRANEAN FAIR IN MANRESA 15 TO 18 OCTOBER / MANRESA* DON’T An unmissable date if you’re interested in popular culture and world and folk music. Since 1998, this multidisciplinary fair has been bringing together different forms of artistic expression, including visual arts, circus, dance, exhibitions, MISS IT! music, oral narration and drama, with performances in different formats, both on the street and at indoor venues, and for all kinds of audiences. It is also a meeting place for professionals working in the sector. firamediterrania.cat *The celebration of this year’s edition will be subject to permission from the health authorities.

Fira Mediterrània de Manresa AUTUMN Pere Virgili Pere

Pere Virgili Xavier Bertral

LA MERCÈ 23 TO 27 SEPTEMBER / BARCELONA* MANGA BARCELONA CASTANYADA 30 OCTOBER TO 2 NOVEMBER / Barcelona’s own local festival is dedicated to 1 NOVEMBER/CATALONIA BARCELONA* one of its patron saints, La Mercè –the Holy Mother of Mercy. Legend has it that it always Although we’ve celebrated This is your convention if you’re a fan of rains during the festival and although you this chestnut feast in short manga, anime and Japanese culture. Yours could consider this to be normal autumn sleeves in recent years, it’s a and that of 152,000 other visitors who, for weather, some prefer to think that the classic autumn celebration more than for 26 years, have taken showers are the tears of the city’s original that takes places every All advantage of its over 400 hours of patron saint –Saint Eulalia– who’s crying Saints’ Day. It’s a meal that programming, featuring everything from because she was dethroned. In any case, the features chestnuts, panellets exhibitions, screenings, round table festival is full of people, music, - small cakes made of discussions, conferences, book performances and folklore and ends with a almonds, sugar and egg yolk, presentations and meetings with artists to spectacular firework display at the Magic which are eaten together workshops and competitions, including a Fountain at Montjuïc. with sweet potatoes and cosplay contest. www.barcelona.cat/lamerce candied fruit, all washed www.manga-barcelona.com *The celebration of this year’s edition will be down with a glass of sweet *The celebration of this year’s edition will be subject to permission from the health authorities. muscat wine. subject to permission from the health authorities.

12 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS CARNIVAL 1 TO 4 MARCH 2021 / BARCELONA 13 TO 16 FEBRUARY 2021

After the 2020 edition was cancelled in Anything goes when it’s the early days of the Covid-19 carnival time! Fancy dress pandemic, the world’s most important and uninhibited fun take mobile congress is expected to return to centre stage right through Barcelona in 2021. The congress also from Maundy Thursday, WINTER features 4YFN –a business platform that when omelettes and egg connects start-ups with potential sausage are traditionally investors, XSide– a cutting-edge music eaten, to Ash Wednesday experience with talks, interactive digital with the Burial of the art installations and industry-wide Sardine, 40 days before debates, and YoMo (the Young Mobile Easter. The carnival Festival). celebrations with the longest www.mwcbarcelona.com tradition take place in Torelló with its Senyoretes i Homenots, Sitges with the Pere Virgili Rua de la Disbauxa and the Rua de l’Extermini, Vilanova i la Geltrú with its singers and dancers and Solsona with its parade of mad giants.

Santi Iglesias

Cristina Calderer

080 BARCELONA FASHION JANUARY AND FEBRUARY / BARCELONA Tjerk van der Meulen

Barcelona Fashion Week has two editions (winter and spring-summer), both of which CALÇOTADES take place in the Sant Pau Art Nouveau site. NOVEMBER TO APRIL / CATALONIA With its adventurous spirit, it’s a showcase where Catalan fashion brands present their Another example of how everything ends up being celebrated at the latest designs in classical fashion shows or in table in Catalonia. What started out as a family tradition in the area alternative formats like Capsule Day, has ended up spreading to the rest of the country. The star dish of this featuring small collections in an exclusive communal meal are calçots –a type of spring onion– which are served setting, and the Pop Up Gallery, a meeting charred as they come off the flame grill and dipped in romesco sauce place for designers, artists and DJs. after being peeled. And what comes after the calçots? Grilled meat with 080barcelonafashion.cat toasted farmhouse bread and wine, and a dessert of crema catalana.

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 13 REC.0 EXPERIMENTAL STORES MAY AND NOVEMBER / Twice a year, some 60 ex-factories and tanneries in Igualada’s Rec industrial district are transformed for four days into trendy pop-up stores where big brands sell their overstocks and display items at incredible prices. This unique fashion festival is complemented by SPRING gastronomic experiences, with food trucks and pop-up restaurants, concerts and cultural initiatives. Don’t miss it! www.rec0.com

Marc Rovira David Borrat David

Francesc Melcion

David Borrat

CÒMIC BARCELONA CORPUS CHRISTI MAY / BARCELONA TEMPS DE FLORS FESTIVALS MAY / GIRONA 3 JUNE 2021 / CATALONIA Three days to immerse yourself in the world of comics, whether you’re This festival of flowers, monuments, One of the most popular religious a professional showing off your patios and gardens has been going for festivals in Catalonia, Corpus Christi talents at Comic Pro, or just a fan over 65 years now. From its humble sees the balconies and streets of looking forward to enjoying beginnings, it has become a major Sitges carpeted in flowers. In many exhibitions, workshops and international festival at which locals and Catalan towns, processions are held conferences and meeting up with tourists alike marvel at the latest floral featuring giants and other folklore your favourite authors. Younger creations and displays. It’s also an figures. Other major Corpus Christi readers can head for the Comic Kids opportunity to explore some hidden celebrations in Catalonia include the space, which is designed for kids places in Girona, accompanied by the Patum in Berga and the enramades in from 5 to 12 years of age. incredible smell of flowers. . www.comic-barcelona.com www.gironatempsdeflors.cat

14 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21

THE EVE OF SAINT JOHN CASTELLS 23 JUNE / CATALONIA YEAR ROUND / CATALONIA

Under the pretext of the summer solstice - These human towers were awarded though that is actually a few days before - Intangible Cultural Heritage status by the darkness of one of the shortest nights Unesco in 2010 and have been a of the year is lit up with bonfires, symbol of Catalan popular culture for firecrackers and fireworks to celebrate the more than 200 years. The season arrival of the summer. The festival is of starts officially on the Feast of Saint pagan origin, and is usually celebrated John (24 June) and ends on the Feast with family and friends, eating coca cake of Saint Ursula (21 October), but the and drinking cava while listening to music action goes on practically all year till the early hours of the morning. round. Every two years, the Tarragona Remember that you can always catch up Human Castle Competition is held on on your sleep on the following day, which the first weekend in October and it’s is the Feast of St. John. the most important event of its kind in the world. SUMMER www.concursdecastells.cat

Manolo García

Tjerk van der Meulen

Cèlia Atset HAVANERES Cristina Calderer JULY / DE PALAFRUGELL

This singalong heralds the beginning of summer on the Costa Brava and takes place on the first Saturday in GREC FESTIVAL July. The habanera is a musical style that reached JULY / BARCELONA Catalonia through the traders who emigrated to Spain’s American colonies in the 18th and 19th centuries and The festival is named after one of its main venues, the Teatre came back to Catalonia loaded with enormous fortunes Grec on Montjuïc, an open-air theatre inaugurated during the and has gone on to become another manifestation of 1929 Universal Exposition. The Grec Festival is the main popular Catalan culture. Take advantage of the cultural event on Barcelona’s summer schedule, one in which opportunity to drink a cremat, the rum-based beverage drama, music, dance and circus are the protagonists. For this that accompanies the singing of habaneras. edition, the starting point is everything that is transcendent, www.havanerescalella.cat such as life and death. www.festivalgrec.barcelona

16 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21

A CITY OF ARCHITECTURE

Architecture is one of the many attractions of Barcelona. Its architectural heritage showcases the strategic, social and economic importance of the city over the centuries and more recent times are no exception. Are you familiar with the most important constructions undertaken in recent years? Here you have a selection: Francesc Melcion Francesc Mesa Marc Ferran Forné Ferran Forné

THE MIES VAN DER CCCB. CENTRE HOTEL PORTA FIRA EDIFICI MEDIA-TIC ROHE PAVILION DE CULTURA Acting like a gateway to Fira In the 22@ district, you’ll find This is a replica of the pavilion CONTEMPORÀNIA Barcelona, this luxury what was considered to be that represented Germany at DE BARCELONA establishment, belonging to the best building of 2011 by the 1929 Universal Exposition, the Hoteles Santos chain, the World Architecture which was held on Montjuïc. This cultural venue, which combines hotel rooms, Festival. The so-called digital The original building, organizes and hosts offices and commercial Pedrera was created by designed by Ludwig Mies van exhibitions, debates, establishments. Standing at Cloud 9, a studio led by the der Rohe and Lilly Reich, was festivals, concerts and 110 metres, its 24 floors are architect Enric Ruiz-Geli. This dismantled in 1930. A symbol courses, among other covered in bright red cube-shaped construction, of the Modern Movement, it is activities, is the result of the aluminium tubes that with sustainable bioclimatic considered to be a paradigm partial rehabilitation of the simulate a lotus flower. It architecture, is designed to of 20th century architecture. architectural ensemble of was designed by Japanese optimize the efficiency of its In 1980, the architect Oriol the old Provincial House of architect Toyo Ito and was facilities. The southwest Bohigas promoted its Charity. The large central awarded the prestigious façade is a type of active reconstruction using the same courtyard, called the Pati de Emporis Skyscraper Award skin that responds to plans, location and materials las Dones, is a pleasant place for the best skyscraper in the climatic conditions and as the original, and the new to sit and watch time pass. world in 2011. increases or decreases its pavilion was inaugurated in The Sala Mirador, an Plaça d’Europa, 45, thermal insulation 1986. emblematic space with a l’Hospitalet de Llobregat automatically. The building Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 7 glass façade, can be visited (Barcelona) has eight completely open miesbcn.com free of charge on some hotelbarcelonaportafira.com floors and a ground floor Sundays. Take advantage of that forms an open square the privileged views it offers without a single pillar. from the heart of the Raval. Spectacular! C/ Montalegre, 5 Carrer de Roc Boronat, 117 www.cccb.org

18 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 FESTIVALS

MARKETS LLUM BCN. The offer is wide and varied, with a network of markets LIGHT ART FESTIVAL scattered throughout the city’s (FEBRUARY) neighbourhoods: 39 for food - most of which are open in the morning from During the festival, when Monday through to Saturday, as well as night falls on the Poblenou some afternoons - and four non-food district it becomes a markets. Some are authentic works of research laboratory where art (especially the Boqueria, Sant around 20 national and Antoni, Santa Caterina, Galvany international light artists and Encants Vells). create new sensorial www.mercatsbcn.cat experiences using light, movement, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. The routes and facilities are free, though some have limited access. You can create your own routes with the LlumBCN application. www.barcelona.cat/llumbcn Pere Virgili Manolo García Dani Ríos Cèlia Atset

TORRE DIAGONAL SANTA CATERINA ESCOLA MASSANA ZEROZERO MARKET

For the 2017-2018 course, the Ferran Forné At one end of Avinguda The remodelling of the city’s Massana School of Art and Diagonal, right next to the sea, first covered market, which was Design left its traditional 48H OPEN HOUSE there stands a rhombus-shaped inaugurated in 1848 and location in the old Hospital de BARCELONA tower designed by Estudi designed by architects Enric la Santa Creu and moved to a (26 AND 27 OCTOBER Massip-Bosch Arquitectes. It’s the Miralles and Benedetta new building, designed by the 2020)* headquarters and R&D centre of Tagliabue, was carried out in architect Carme Pinós, located Telefónica. The 24-story 2005. The result is an explosion behind the Boqueria Market. After 10 editions, this festival skyscraper, which is reminiscent of colour and shapes, marked It’s a kind of two-volume has become one of the most of New York’s Flat Iron, is 110 by an undulating roof covered sculpture that creates terrace- eagerly awaited events for meters tall and is enveloped in with 325,000 pieces of like zones. Go inside, even if architecture fans and for white glass and aluminium, ceramics in 67 colours you aren’t attending classes, to anyone who wants to get to allowing it to take advantage of representing the fruit and enjoy its open and bright know the city better. It’s a the sunlight while lending it an vegetables sold at its stalls. interior spaces. weekend with free access to airy, bright appearance. Av. Francesc Cambó, 16 Plaça de la Gardunya, 9 more than 150 buildings of all Plaça d’Ernest Lluch i Martín, 5 www.mercatsantacaterina.com escolamassana.cat kinds, with 1,000 volunteers, 61,000 visits and 240 free activities shared between UNMISSABLE Barcelona and other local municipalities, including Santa Coloma de Gramenet, ARQUITECTURACATALANA.CAT Badalona, , L’Hospitalet de Llobregat and The College of Architects of Catalonia has created what they call the Digital Space for Sant Joan Despí, all with the Modern and Contemporary Catalan Architecture for constructions designed and built aim of exploring their from 1832 to the present day. The portal, which will be updated and expanded on an architectural heritage. ongoing basis, allows you to explore Catalonia’s architectural heritage by applying search 48hopenhousebarcelona.org filters for works, architects and studios, towns, categories and typologies, or by *The celebration of this event will navigating a map of Catalonia. More than 2,200 works are already waiting to be explored. be subject to permission by the www.arquitecturacatalana.cat public health authorities.

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 19 CATALAN MODERNISM

You hear the word “Barcelona” and what comes immediately to mind are images of incredible buildings, sinuous shapes, undulating lines… and Antoni Gaudí, a key figure in world architecture and the greatest but not the only exponent of Catalan Modernism. Barcelona is the city with the largest number of Catalan modernist buildings to be declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Other essential creative figures for understanding the architectural revolution that occurred in Catalonia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries are Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Josep Maria Jujol.

THE SAGRADA CASA BATLLÓ PARC GÜELL FAMÍLIA Located in the city block The summer residence of Among the commissions This is the unfinished known as the Mansana de la the Vicens family in the given to Gaudí by the monument that attracts the Discordia, where other district of Gràcia was industrialist Eusebi Güell, most visitors from around modernist houses of the Gaudí’s first masterpiece including Palau Güell and the world. The building work time, such as , and displays many of his the church at Colònia Güell, on the Sagrada Família, the Casa Lleó Morera, Casa hallmark touches, including is this public park, which most important project Mulleras and Casa Josefina vivid colours, forms taken was originally supposed to undertaken by Antoni Gaudí, Bonet, all competed for the from nature, decorated be a large-scale housing is expected to be completed town planning awards ceramics and materials used estate for well-to-do families. by 2026, when it will granted by the City Council, in their original state. Take Take a stroll through the become the tallest building this creation by Gaudí for the opportunity to explore Jardins d’Àustria and the in the city (standing at 172.5 the textile industrialist Josep it. It has been open to the park’s many winding paths. metres). The facade of the Batlló has one of the most public since 2017. Take a selfie on the dragon Nativity and the crypt enjoy incredible façades C/ de les Carolines, 20 steps and see Barcelona at Unesco World Heritage imaginable. casavicens.org your feet from the shattered- status. C/ Mallorca, 401 Passeig de Gràcia, 43 ceramics bench in Plaça de sagradafamilia.org www.casabatllo.es la Natura. C/ Olot, 7 parkguell.barcelona

Francesc Melcion Getty Pere Virgili Pere Tordera

Marc Rovira THE CÒLONIA Dani Ríos GÜELL CRYPT Pere Virgili Cristina Calderer CASA MILÀ PALAU DE LA Considered to be the SANT PAU ART MÚSICA CATALANA laboratory for the Sagrada NOUVEAU SITE Also known as La Pedrera, Família, this is where Gaudí’s this building is the result of a The only Catalan modernist creativity went into The old site of the Hospital commission given to Gaudí concert hall to be declared a overdrive. For the first time, de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is by the Milá family when they World Heritage Site was built he was able to implement one of the most important decided to set up residence by Domènech i Muntaner as his architectural innovations works of Lluís Domènech i in Passeig de Gràcia. The the headquarters of the in a cohesive way: Montaner, who is considered result is a work of Orfeó Català. A trip around integrating the materials he to be the father of Catalan considerable functional and the building is a visual treat, used with the natural Modernism. It was built constructional innovation, from your first glance of the environment, using his between 1905 and 1930 as a and one which breaks away façade and the concert hall ornamental shattered garden city for the sick and from the predominant with the muses surrounding ceramics and building is now a knowledge campus architectural styles of its the stage and the organ to catenary arches and vaults and the headquarters of time. Come on in, take a the many references to in the form of hyperbolic several international look around and enjoy the nature, the stained glass paraboloids. C/ Claudi organizations. rooftop, where petrified windows and the forged iron Güell, 6, Santa Coloma de C/ de Sant Antoni Maria warriors await you. work. C/ Palau de la Música, Cervelló (Barcelona) Claret, 167 C/ de Provença, 261-265 4-6. www.palaumusica.cat gaudicoloniaguell.org www.santpaubarcelona.org www.lapedrera.com

20 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 SANT JORDI

This is probably the best day of the year in any Catalan town, from the smallest of villages to the biggest city: with the streets and squares all filled up to overflowing with people of all ages, couples, friends and families walking up and down and buying books, giving roses to their loved ones, queuing to get an autographed copy from the writer they admire so much and with whom they’ll be able to exchange a few words. 23 April is Sant Jordi, the feast of Saint George, who has been the patron saint of Catalonia since the 19th century. It’s a celebration in which culture and love are the main protagonists, and although it isn’t an official holiday, everyone seems to find time to join in with the festive spirit. It’s a day of books and roses and in Barcelona there are usually over 4,000 stalls authorized to sell roses and 1,000 book stalls on the streets. The local booksellers’ association reports that more than 1.6 million books were sold for the 2019 edition of Catalonia’s own version of Saint Valentine’s Day. In Barcelona, a number of iconic sites, including a good number of museums and institutions, hold an open-doors day and anyone named Jordi or Jordina can enjoy free access to the Sagrada Família. The musical touch is given by the Sant Jordi Musical: eight hours of free, uninterrupted music at the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm. If you want to avoid the crowds in the city centre, which typically sees around one and a half million people passing through, you’ll find plenty of activities for young and old alike in Barcelona’s local districts, neighbourhoods and libraries. www.barcelona.cat/ca/santjordi

Pere Virgili

Dani Rios THE LEGENDS SAYS THAT…

Many, many years ago, in the town of Montblanc, Getty there was a terrible dragon that was wreaking havoc among its inhabitants. To satisfy its hunger, THE DRAGON ROUTE the people of Montblanc would choose an inhabitant at random for the dragon to eat. But Barcelona is a city of dragons: it has more than 500, crafted in many when the king’s daughter was the chosen different styles. Some of the best known are in the Catalan modernist style, sacrifice, the bold knight George appeared to including the dragons in Casa Batlló and Parc Güell, but there are others confront the dragon and kill it. Best of all, a rose that are equally spectacular, such as the Chinese-style dragon in the Casa with red flowers was born from the drops of blood dels Paraigües at number 82 on the Rambla, the dragon in the fountain in that fell from the beast. Hence the tradition of Parc de la Ciutadella and the statue in Parc de l’Espanya Industrial. Take the giving loved ones a rose for St. George’s Day. dragon route to explore the city in a different way!

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 21 BARCELONA AND MORE

GETTING AROUND We’re all very much aware that sustainable mobility helps to make our cities quieter, cleaner and more pleasant places to live, improving everyone’s quality of life. Measures are now being taken at both the municipal and regional levels to reduce the effects of climate change and promote a greener urban model for Barcelona. If you have an electric vehicle, you won’t have to pay parking fees for the blue or green parking zones, among other advantages.

Francesc Melcion PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Barcelona and its metropolitan area, which consists of more than 250 municipalities, are connected by a large, user-friendly, convenient public transport network that is divided into six zones, with 10 metro lines that run for over 120kms, local, city, long distance and night buses, three urban railway networks, two tram lines and the Rodalies local train service. If you’re new to the city, you can explore it by taking the tourist buses or the Montjuïc cable car and funicular. Taxis can be identified by their unmistakable black and yellow livery, which date from 1929, when their colours and fares were first regulated. You can also use VTC-licensed vehicles to get around, which must be booked 15 minutes in advance, in accordance with the regulations of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. mou-te.gencat.cat

Pere Virgili PUBLIC TRANSPORT TICKETS AND FARES 2020

2020 sees new tickets and fares*:

T-Usual Unlimited travel for 30 days. Single user. €40.

T-Casual 10 journeys. Single user. €11.35.

T-Jove TAKING BACK THE STREETS Unlimited travel for 90 days. Single user. €80. In an initiative that began in March, on the first weekend of each month, certain streets become car free for the exclusive use of T-Familiar pedestrians, who are able enjoy a city free of traffic fumes and 8 journeys in 30 days. noise. The project, which began with one of the city’s main Multiuser. €10. arteries –a 4.5km stretch of Carrer Aragó– is expected to be extended to other major thoroughfares, such as Gran de Gràcia, T-Grup Via Laietana and Creu Coberta - Carrer de Sants. The maximum 70 journeys in 30 days. speed on roads that make up the secondary network and on Creu Multiuser. €79.45. Coberta - Carrer de Sants has also been reduced to 30kph and this measure will affect an additional one hundred kilometres of T-Dia streets in the basic network of the city in 2021. Moreover, since the Unlimited journeys in 24 hours. end of 2016, super-blocks have been set up in some parts of the Single user. €10.50. city. These units, which consist of several blocks of houses, are * Prices are for travel in 1 zone. subject to traffic restrictions designed to help resident win back public space. www.barcelona.cat/obrimcarrers Cristina Calderer

22 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 PURPLE POINTS LOW EMISSIONS ZONES These are information, awareness and support services “Let’s start to breathe easy on 1st January “ is one of the to prevent and/or act against slogans of the Low Emission Zones (ZBE) initiative. This sexism in public leisure venues. If measure restricts, though with some exceptions, the you’re subjected to any type of circulation of the most heavily polluting vehicles on harassment, head for the purple point working days in Barcelona and the surrounding area. The or look for people equipped with purple Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) positively bracelets. Some thirty venues and discriminates in favour of the most environmentally concert halls in Barcelona have also friendly vehicles, with the aim of improving the quality of adopted the No Callem protocol for the air we breathe and protecting people’s health. To find the detection and prevention of sexual assault and out whether your vehicle is affected, you can look up harassment. which environmental badge corresponds to you on the websites of the DGT, Barcelona City Council and the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. If you own a highly polluting vehicle ON TWO WHEELS without an environmental label and you take it to the scrap yard, you’re VEHICLE SHARING Barcelona’s climate and relief make entitled to a T-Verda, a public cycling an attractive transport transport card that allows you free Vehicle sharing is revolutionizing option. You’ll find all the and unlimited use of public sustainable mobility. There are different information you need about cycling transport within the six integrated modalities depending on the vehicle: bike- and the network of 200 kms of bike fare zones for a period of three sharing, motorbike-sharing, ridesharing lanes on the City Council website. years. www.zbe.barcelona and carsharing. Bicing is the city’s bicycle Remember that you must use the sharing system, but it’s not the only sharing bike lanes or, in their absence, the service. At the beginning of the year, roadway in the 30kph zones and Pere Virgili Barcelona City Council awarded licenses to single-use streets. You cannot ride some 30 companies for providing on pavements of less than 5 metres mechanical and electric bike sharing in width. There are time slots in services, with a total of almost 4,000 which you can take your bike on vehicles, and for more than 6,900 electric public transport. You must park in motorbikes. While carsharing is still designated places, and, if you’re awaiting legislation, which is expected to over 16 years of age, wearing a arrive after the summer, you can already helmet it is not mandatory, though rent cars, which can be picked up at public it is recommended. Bicing, with car parks, by the hour or day. 6,000 mechanical and 1,000 electric bikes, has more than 400 mixed stations, which operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If Marc Rovira you’re thinking of signing up, download the Bicing app. The use of electric scooters and similar devices has been increasing in popularity in recent years. To prevent conflicts and to ensure sustainable and safe mobility, there exist regulations that regulate personal mobility vehicles (PMV) –hoverboards, unicycles, platforms and electric scooters– and bicycles with more than two wheels for personal use, as well as the transport of passengers and goods. In addition, the DGT has published instructions including a 30kph speed limit, depending on the vehicle and the road and the use of the bike lane for all these types of vehicles. The ordinance on the circulation of electric scooters in Barcelona includes fines for using a mobile phone or headphones and riding on pavements and other areas reserved for pedestrians, as well as for riding with more than one person or with inadequate lighting. ajuntament.barcelona.cat/bicicleta

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 23 GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE

Barcelona has an extensive network of historical, thematic, urban and forested parks and gardens. Here, you’ll find a hundred public spaces for meeting people and creating connections –little oases that beautify the city, allowing you to explore its historical and cultural legacy and become familiar with its different plant species. The metropolitan area surrounding Barcelona also has a network of parks and natural spaces, some of which we highlight here.

NATURE RESERVES IN THE LLOBREGAT DELTA

These nature reserves lie in the municipal areas of El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, Gavà and Sant Boi de Llobregat. They are characterised by a great biological diversity: with lagoons, marshes, pine groves lying on sand dunes and virgin beaches at the mouth of the Llobregat River. This is also a great spot for birdwatching and specialised guides are available. You can wander freely around the visitable areas of the delta and the last stretch of the river, including areas like Remolar-Filipines, Viladecans beach, Can Camins pine wood and Prat beach, the ponds of Can Dimoni, the Murtra pond and the pine woods of Maiola. www.deltallobregat.cat

Getty

MONTJUÏC PARK

It may not belong to the metropolitan area’s official network of parks, but it is an essential area for understanding Barcelona. It is a park of parks: 450 hectares in which nature, woodland, themed gardens and sports, cultural and service areas all coexist. Montjuïc has witnessed some of the city’s most important events: it hosted the 1929 International Exhibition, which promoted the urbanization of the area, as well as the sports facilities built for the 1992 Olympic Games, including the Olympic Ring of Montjuïc with the Lluís Companys , , the Bernat Picornell Swimming Pools and the Communications Tower, which were the nerve centres of the event. You can get lost as many times as you like while exploring its museums, viewpoints, gardens. Pay special attention to the fountains, the Ciutat del Teatre, Poble Espanyol, the cemetery and the castle of Montjuïc, without forgetting the spectacle of light, colour, water and music at the

Magic Fountain. It will never cease Xavier Bertral to amaze you!

24 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 Getty PETS

You have the obligation to register and identify your pet with a microchip. It must be vaccinated and comply with the health regulations set out by each municipality. Dogs must be kept on a lead in public spaces, including urban parks, except for dedicated dog parks. You can take part in a volunteer program or adopt animals at the Barcelona Pet Reception Centre. gen.cat/animalscompanyia

THE SERRA DE COLLSEROLA MONTSERRAT NATURAL PARK NATURAL PARK Declared a protected area in 1987 and a The most famous mountain range in Catalonia is natural park in 2010, Barcelona’s green a unique massif with pointed peaks known as belt, consisting of some 11,100 hectares needles. It’s an iconic place that combines and a large variety of plant and animal nature, spirituality and culture. The mountain is species, is shared by eight other towns, home to the monastery of Montserrat, which is and is an incredible place to get some dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat, popularly fresh air and enjoy nature. It has about known as La Moreneta because of her dark skin fifteen viewpoints and the highest peak colour. Visit the monastery and listen to the (512m) is Tibidabo, where the amusement Escolania, a choir of boys who sing there every park is located. It also has different leisure day. Montserrat is also a favourite location for areas spread all over the hillside, including climbing and a series of itineraries and routes walking routes of diverse lengths, and awaits you there, as well as the option of caving more than 250km of cycle paths with in the range’s underground caves, the best signposted routes of varying difficulty. The known of which are the Salnitre and the Cova information centre is a good place to begin Freda at Collbató. You can get to the sanctuary your explorations. and to the foot of the mountain by road, or you www.parcnaturalcollserola.cat can take the rack railway which ascends some 600 metres from Monistrol de Montserrat,

Getty which is reachable by train on the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat network or by car. Another Getty option for ascending the mountain is the cable car, which offers spectacular views. muntanyamontserrat.gencat.cat

MONTSENY NATURAL PARK

Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for its Mediterranean and Central European landscapes, this natural park has a unique cultural and natural heritage. The protected area encompasses some 30,000 hectares and is shared by 18 municipalities in three different counties. The highest peaks in the park are Turó de l’Home (1,706 m), Les Agudes (1,703 m), Els Matagalls (1,697 m) and Pla de la Calma (Puig Drau 1,344 m), which are joined together by cols. You can explore the park on foot or by bike. If you need more excuses to visit, look out for the local fairs and festivals or the weekly markets, and if you like the circus, head for Sant Esteve de Palautordera at the foot of the massif, where you’ll find the Circ Cric operations centre (circcric .com), a centre for the creation and production of circus shows organized every year by the Cric Circus Festival and the International Clown Festival. parcs.diba.cat/web/montseny

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 25 ENJOY EUROPE

The Old Continent is a cluster of countries, languages and traditions rubbing shoulders together in a relatively

compact area. Barcelona is one of the Getty Getty liveliest of the European capitals, but EDINBURGH () PILTON () there’s plenty more for you to explore. Fringe Festival. August Glastonbury Festival of Take advantage of the fact that you have Contemporary Performing such easy access to incredible Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the world’s Arts. June experiences and sample some of leading festival cities and every summer, and Europe’s top cultural events! especially in August, the city plays host to all Since its first edition in 1970, kinds of cultural activities, including jazz and when a ticket cost a pound blues, art, cinema, tattoos and storytelling and included milk from the festivals. But at the root of all this activity lies area’s farms, the world’s the Edinburgh International Festival, and its low largest music and arts festival cost version, the Fringe Festival, which offers should be on everybody’s THE ESSENTIALS free performances in the historic squares and bucket list, even though the streets of the city in an explosion of creative last few editions have been energy featuring more than 56,000 cancelled. The festival offers performances of 3,500 productions. five days with top performing www.edinburghfestivalcity.com artists and draws over 230,000 attendees to the estate owned by Michael Edinburghh Eavis, the founder of the festival. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk 02.50 h

The Hague Pilton Boom

02.20 hrs 01.43 hrs

Getty 02.15 hrs SINTRA (PORTUGAL) Sintra International Music Festival. 23 September to 11 October* 02.00 hrs 06.19 hrs What began as a programme of piano recitals has become one of the oldest classical music and dance festivals in Portugal. 2020 sees the 55th edition, which will be held in iconic locations, such as the Olga Cadaval Cultural Centre, Queluz National Palace and Sintra National Palace, all in a city that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. festivaldesintra.pt 01.20 hrs 02.00 hrs 02.30 hrs *The celebration of this event is subject to Madrid Barcelona permission from the health authorities. Sintra

05.32 hrs 01.40 hrs 26 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 Seville TRAVEL TIMES BY PLANE TRAVEL TIMES BY TRAIN BY TRAIN

Parkpop MADRID THE HAGUE Arco. February (THE NETHERLANDS) Parkpop. June The capital city of Spain is only two and a half hours away by high-speed The last weekend of June sees the train. A good excuse for visiting it is 40th edition of one of the largest free the ARCO International Fair of music festivals in Europe, which has Contemporary Art, at which both grown from one to three days since professionals working in the sector 2014. With a family atmosphere, the and the general public can enjoy a festival held in the Hague’s Zuiderpark selection of works from local and features some 30 renowned local and international galleries. international artists, alongside less www.ifema.es/arco-madrid Tomorrowland well-known names who have made it BOOM (BELGIUM) to the central festival stage after Tomorrowland. 16 to 18 and 23 to 25 winning the Road to Parkpop July 2021 competition. www.parkpop.nl If you’re a fan of electronic music - dance, house, techno and EDM – be sure not to miss the winter edition of Javier Barbancho the Tomorrowland Festival in Alpe d’Huez in March or the summer SEVILLE edition in Boom, which will also call in Easter. 28 March to 4 April 2021 at Barcelona for the fourth consecutive year. The De Schorre Easter is a big celebration all over amusement park will be covered with Spain, but the festivities in Seville have stages (15 in total) hosting a line-up of something special about them. The more than 600 artists, who, for the city’s Easter Processions are a religious 16th edition of the festival, will be tradition that are impressive even for rocking over 450,000 attendees with Getty non-believers. Don’t miss the madrugá this year’s leitmotif, The Reflection of (GERMANY) in the early hours of Good Friday. Love. www.tomorrowland.com Internationale Filmfestspiel Berlin - Forget about airports and motorways, Berlinale. 11 and 12 February 2021 you can get there by train in just over five and a half hours. The International Film Festival is a public event that aims to bring Berliners a little cheer during the bleak mid-winter. It features over 400 films, many of which never reach the Berlin commercial circuit, organized in

02.45 hrs different sections and categories, which are screened at cinemas and in Getty the function rooms of large hotels throughout the city. PARIS (FRANCE) www.berlinale.de Fête de la Musique. 21 June

Celebrate the arrival of summer with a music festival which, since 1982, has taken advantage of the shortest night of the year to fill the streets, squares, gardens and other unusual venues in Paris with free live music in a variety of genres. Get there by train (in 6 hours, 19 minutes) to reduce Venice your carbon footprint. 01.50 hrs Getty fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr VENICE () Carnevale di Venezia 30 January to 16 February 2021

2020 saw the carnival closed down early for health reasons for the first time since its beginnings in the 11th century, putting an early end to what is usually over two weeks of one of the most famous Carnivals in the world, in which 17th century masks and period Getty costumes fill the city. www.carnevale.venezia.it

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 27 WHY I’M STAYING HERE

JÉRÔME BARRAU (BORDEAUX - FRANCE, 1975) Professor at the Polytechnic School of the University of Lleida

In 2000, he moved to Lleida to be with his partner and started to work for a private company, just as he had done in France after graduating NANDA REA with a degree in industrial engineering. But four years later he decided ( - ITALY, 1978) that it was time for a career change: “I’ve always liked research, so I Researcher at the Institute of Space completed my PhD and joined the Research Group for Dynamic Sciences Systems Applied to Solar Energy at the UdL.” The project he had developed in his thesis, a refrigeration system for concentrated solar energy systems, was patented and became the starting point for the More than 10 years ago, when she UdL’s bid to become part of a European project developing a new started sending out applications for concept of refrigeration for applications in the field of electronics. He a permanent researcher position, explains in perfect Catalan that he has always felt at home in Catalonia Barcelona was one of her top and that professionally he has found the right environment and options as a city to settle in conditions in which to work on a task he’s passionate about. permanently: “I liked the idea of living in this city. Different cultures coexist here, and I was attracted to its international atmosphere after living in different countries. At the same time, it’s a well-organized city with resources and it’s beautiful: you’ve got the sea, the mountains GIULIANA MAGRI and the character of the people. It (MILAN - ITALY, 1978) has an important weight in the Miguel Servet Researcher at the Institute international scientific field, thanks for Medical Research at Hospital del Mar to its large number of research (IMIM) areas and centres. As a CSIC researcher in astrophysics, Nanda studies dead stars with large Giuliana first arrived in Barcelona in gravitational and magnetic 2006 with a Marie Curie scholarship to fluctuations, observing them and do her doctorate at Pompeu Fabra simulating their behavior. After so University. Quality of life has been the many years she’s still in love with determining factor in her decision to the city and is especially attracted stay in the city. “Now personal reasons also play a role, but, thinking to its ability to reinvent itself, “which about my career, I can do very high-level research here. We are on a par both surprises you and mean you with the centres of excellence I have visited in New York and can you keep on enjoying it.” Amsterdam,“ says the immunologist. Now, as the principal investigator in her lab, she’s studying B lymphocytes, the cells that produce antibodies, to see how they generate immunity. She’s responsible for one of the 19 projects that the Department of Health will finance with €4 million in collaboration with Biocat to fight against Covid-19. Her work involves generating large-scale antibodies in vitro from the cells of patients infected with Covid-19 to see if they are effective at stopping the infection. She will then conduct clinical trials with the aim of using them for prevention and treatment.

28 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 Fotos: Getty RESA

This is the most extensive network in the country for arranging university accommodation in apartments or rooms in Barcelona city and province and in Girona VIURE I CONVIURE for undergraduate, masters and Erasmus This is an intergenerational and to get to know the senior students and teachers. Rosa Maria (71) has program designed to improve citizen in order to match then used this service for almost 10 years. When the quality of life of senior with the right student profile. An she found herself alone at home, after she citizens in need of company and interview with the student also retired and her daughter got married, she young college students looking takes place to explain the discovered Resa Housing. From the very for affordable accommodation. programme to them, evaluate beginning it seemed to her like a good It’s an experience shared by two their profile and find the best idea: “I couldn’t see myself spending all people: the hosts, who must be partner. Once the agreement, in day alone without anyone to talk to. I like 65 years of age, able to live which the commitments of each young people and I thought it would be a independently, able to offer party are specified, is signed, a good opportunity for them to feel at home accommodation in decent trial period of one month with me and for me to have some conditions and willing to share commences. If both parties company.” While she admits that the their house, and the students, agree to continue, they sign a money she gets is useful, that is not the who must be under 35 years of continuity agreement, which only reason she does it. She speaks age and enrolled at a university. will be valid until the end of the warmly of the guests she has had from The minimum time period is one course. The governing Tokyo, Peking, , and Brussels, university year and a certain foundation works in among other places, and with whom she is amount of time must be set collaboration with the Inter still in contact. She insists that it has been aside for common living. The University Council of the a good experience and that she has process is very simple: a team Catalan government, the City learned a lot from her students. She of psychologists visits the senior Council of Barcelona and the almost always has two rooms in her house citizen’s home to ensure that Deputation of Barcelona . rented out. “I even have a waiting list,” she everything is in good conditions www.fundacioroure.org comments in a satisfied tone. Currently she is hosting a girl and a boy from Vinarós. It’s Adrià’s third year with her and he’ll stay until he finishes his degree. For her, he’s just another member of the family. Adrià claims that it’s one of the best decisions he has ever taken, and he TALENT strongly recommends this accommodation option to anyone looking for a welcoming place to stay in the city. “At first, I had my doubts, but they vanished quickly. It’s a way to live WELCOME together and I feel fortunate. In addition, since the flat has three bedrooms, I’ve A stay abroad, be it long or short, is an incredible adventure in which you have to enjoyed the company of other students. face challenges like finding accommodation, which is key to feeling at home Although the other guest here is from my despite being far away from family and friends. Rental costs have risen greatly in home town, I’ve also met people from Barcelona in recent years but don’t worry, there are a number of options that will other countries and that has been very allow you to find a place to live easily, quickly and safely. enriching.” www.resahousing.com

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 29 TRIATHLON IRONMAN BARCELONA CALELLA 4 OCTOBER / CALELLA* This is Europe’s most popular end-of-season triathlon and involves swimming in the sea, paddling fast and running on the flat in Calella RUNNING in the region. The results are valid Cristina Calderer for the 2021 Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. If you want to start with a half- ZURICH BARCELONA triathlon, you can take part in Ironman 70.3 MARATHON Barcelona, which is also held in Calella in May. ironman.com 25 OCTOBER / BARCELONA* Usually held in March, the coronavirus pandemic and the recommendations of the health authorities mean that this year it’s been postponed till October. Luckily, OPEN WATERS Barcelona enjoys mild autumn temperatures. If you’d prefer to run half CROSSING BANYOLES LAKE the distance, the eDreams Barcelona Half 20 SEPTEMBER / BANYOLES * 2020 has been Marathon is scheduled for February. declared the Year of www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es This traditional swim is organized by the Sports Tourism by Club Natació Banyoles, which has the Catalan Tourism everything ready to go for the 77th edition of this great Catalan swimming Agency, and it’s an FIREMEN’S RUN APRIL / BARCELONA festival for professional and amateur opportunity to swimmers. www.cnbanyoles.cat position Catalonia This is a fairly flat 10km circuit that as a world reference passes by some very iconic places. It’s for sports tourism. open to everyone over 16 years of age Take advantage of but it is a fast-paced race and finishes an Catalonia’s climate, hour and a half after starting. cursadebombers.barcelona facilities and sporting traditions –there is life beyond MATAGALLS-MONTSERRAT football– to play 12 and 13 SEPTEMBER / *

sports and enjoy David Borrat exceptional You have 24 hours to run the 80 kilometres, with about 5,700 meters of

A SPORTING NATION A SPORTING sporting events. accumulated elevation gain –the route CHRISTMAS CUP varies every year, that lie between El Brull 25 DECEMBER / BARCELONA * and the monastery of Montserrat. Would you like to try something www.matagallsmontserrat.cat different on Christmas Day? For 110 years, more than 350 swimmers have been coming to the port of Barcelona at CURSA DELS NASSOS 11am to swim 200 meters. After the 31 DECEMBER / BARCELONA * competitive series comes the popular series, in which many swimmers in A 10 kilometre run to say goodbye to fancy dress jump into the water. 2020. Legend has it that it’s run by a man www.cnb.cat who has as many noses as there are days in the year and who only lets himself be Marta Pérez seen on 31 December. If you’re interested, official training sessions will be held up to Cèlia Atset *The celebration of this event will be subject to a month before the big day. permission from the health authorities. www.cursadenassos.barcelona

JEAN BOUIN MUNDO DEPORTIVO - ALLIANZ GRAND PRIZE 22 NOVEMBER / BARCELONA * This is Catalonia’s oldest run and dates from 1920, when a group of athletics-loving journalists decided to create this urban run in honour of the French cross-country runner from whom it gets its name. Amateur and professional athletes run 5 or 10km on Parc de Montjuïc. jeanbouin.cat

30 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21

SPORTS FACILITIES

Barcelona’s network of municipal facilities – with over 100 centres – will help you practise different sports. You also have at your disposal Activa’t, an outdoor exercise and health program – with walking and oriental gymnastics - designed for people over 40 years of age. ajuntament.barcelona.cat/esports

FOOTBALL BASKETBALL FUTBOL CLUB BARCELONA

CYCLING Futbol Club Barcelona, popularly known as Barça, is one of the two major clubs in TENNIS Barcelona. “More than a club” is its motto, and this centenary club, which was HANDBALL founded in 1899 on the initiative of the MOTOR SPORTS Swiss Hans Gamper, has more than Alejandro García / EFE 144,000 members and 170,000 supporters clubs around the world, and is CIUTAT DE L’HOSPITALET COMTE DE GODÓ TROPHY the most widely followed sports JUNIOR TOURNAMENT APRIL / BARCELONA organization on social media, with over 350 million followers. A number of true JANUARY / L’HOSPITALET DE It all began in 1953 on the occasion of football legends have made Barça fans LLOBREGAT the inauguration of the new happy: , Diego Armando A basketball tournament in which, since headquarters of the Real Club de Tenis Maradona, Hristo Stoichkov, , 1980, you can see the best youth teams Barcelona in Pedralbes. Since then the Andrés Iniesta and Leo Messi, who is still in Catalonia in action, as well as some tournament has grown to become an offering exhibitions of excellent football to from Spain, and now international teams iconic sporting event in the city, in culers, the nickname by which Barça fans too. It has grown to become a must-see which you can see the best tennis are also known. The is the sports event for talent hunters and players in action on clay courts. stadium in which the men’s team plays, basketball fans. www.barcelonaopenbancsabadell.com while the women’s team plays at the www.cbhospitalet.cat/torneo-junior Johan Cruyff Stadium, which was inaugurated in August 2019. The women’s GRANOLLERS CUP team, which has been professional since INDOOR TRIAL BARCELONA JUNE / GRANOLLERS the summer of 2015, holds the FEBRUARY / BARCELONA international record for the biggest gate at More than 5,000 young players from a women’s match, with more than 60,000 The first indoor trial took place in Barcelona around the world take part in the largest attendees at a League match with in 1978, promoted by the magazine Solo international baseball tournament in Atletico. These are figures that reflect the Moto. Palau Sant Jordi hosts the most southern Europe. This is an growing interest of fans and the industry. prestigious and demanding event in the unforgettable experience featuring four Barça, apart from football, has four other FIM Indoor Trial World Championship days of competition and over 1,000 professional sections: basketball, (X-Trial). You can live a vibrant, track-side matches. www.granollerscup.com handball, futsal and roller hockey. experience while watching the best riders www.fcbarcelona.cat in the world in action. trialindoorbarcelona.com CATALONIA 24 HOURS MOTORCYCLING REIAL CLUB DEPORTIU ESPANYOL DE BARCELONA VOLTA DE CATALUNYA ENDURANCE CHALLENGE JULY / MONTMELÓ MARCH / CATALONIA Founded by Catalan university students If you like motor sports you simply have in 1900, this is one of the oldest clubs in The third oldest cycling event in the to head for the Circuit de Barcelona- the Spanish League. From the very world, with more than 100 years of Catalunya, where the Spanish F1 Grand beginning there has been a fierce history, in which 25 teams compete in Prix, European Le Mans Series, the rivalry between the city’s two major seven stages, ending in Barcelona. Since Spanish Superbike Championship and teams. The players, dressed in white 2018 we also have the ReVolta, the the Moto GP of Catalonia take place. and blue –though the kit was originally women’s race, with a route of more than But above be sure not to miss the 24 yellow– have played at a brand new 100 km. www.voltacatalunya.cat hours endurance race for professionals stadium since 2009, the RCD Espanyol and amateurs who compete in several Stadium in Cornellà-El Prat, which is the categories. www.circuitcat.com most modern in Spain, with capacity for 40,000 people. www.rcdespanyol.com

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 31 TALENT CITY

INTERUNIVERSITY COUNCIL OF CATALONIA (CIC)

CIC is the coordinating body of the Catalan university system and advises the Generalitat government on university-related matters. Since 1977, at first with the three universities –UB, UAB and UPC– that made up the Catalan university landscape, and now with the twelve higher education institutions in the country, CIC has managed and guaranteed equal opportunities in university access, establishing the criteria for elaborating university curricula and promoting the internationalization of Catalan THE universities. It is organized into permanent and non-permanent commissions, working groups and specific advisory commissions. In line with its commitment to the internationalization INTERNATIONAINTERNATIONA of the Catalan knowledge system, the CIC international relations commission has drawn up lines of strategic action for the joint promotion of the Catalan university system around the world, and arranges activities and OFOF THE CATALACATALA offers of academic and scientific improvement for the recruitment of students, research and teaching staff and administration and service staff from abroad, and facilitates their integration into the university, as well as KNOWLEDGEKNOWLEDGE S supporting Catalan mobility abroad. It also promotes the use of English, especially in Master’s and Doctoral Degrees, The Catalan university and research system is one of the which facilitates the arrival of foreign students and an international vocation, it is governed by institutions th teachers, as well as fostering cooperation with institutions students and academic and research staff, and attractin and organizations involved in international relations in Catalonia, among other actions aimed at encouraging and facilitating the projection of national talent abroad and the arrival of international talent in Catalonia.

EAIE 2022

The annual conference of the European Association for International Education (EAIE) is one of the most important education-related events in Europe, bringing together some 6,000 professionals from around the world. The 2020 edition was supposed to be held in Barcelona, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic it has now been postponed until 2022. Barcelona will then host the ninth edition of a platform that fosters new international collaborations and allows its participants to reach thousands of professionals working in higher education while finding out about the latest trends and debating with major figures in the sector, with the aim of sharing ways to deal with the situation we are facing. www.eaie.org/barcelona

32 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 EURAXESS

A support network for the mobility and professional development of researchers, Euraxess has more than 50 contact points in Catalonia’s university and research system. The initiative, which is part of the European strategy for the mobility of researchers in the European Research Area, offers a series of services: information and advice for the NEW mobility of EU and non-EU students and workers; OPPORTUNITIES information on possible grants for institutions and researchers from the pre-doctoral stage to the senior stage; The coronavirus pandemic is one of the most support for professional and personal development by devastating global crises of recent years. But providing information on professional careers and training in despite the personal and economic losses it transversal competencies; and the Human Resources has caused, it may also mark the beginning of Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), which allows research a new era for higher education, an opportunity centres to be granted an Excellence Award. In addition, the to accelerate the shift towards European EURAXESS Jobs platform offers a job search internationalization that was already underway. function, as well as listing jobs for research staff. The challenges posed by restrictions on www.euraxess.cat mobility involve rethinking international education. It is the perfect opportunity for online learning to really take off and for students to build online academic communities and intercultural virtual study ALIZATIONALIZATION groups by overcoming geographical constraints and for increasing international collaboration between institutions. “Higher education centres will have to rethink their ANAN knowledge and talent generation strategies and internationalization programs, overcoming the mobility restrictions faced by students and teachers, and opting for international alliances SSYSTEMYSTEM or mergers,“ says Francesc Xavier Grau i Vidal, Secretary of Universities and Research. The e most advanced knowledge clusters in Europe. With Catalan government will deliver a collective hat guarantee and promote excellence, the mobility of response by supporting and strengthening ng and recruiting talent from all over the world. higher education, research, technological development and innovation in order to create long-term, high-quality employment and sustainable economic growth.

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 33 GENERATING AND ATTRACTING TALENT

specific funding to research on innovative B4RCELONA solutions that have an impact on the citizenry, promote science education for all, along with access to science dissemination, and to CI3NC1A` nurture a creative link between art, science and technology. Professor Lluís Ferrer, who is chair of the plan’s scientific advisory board, The overarching goal of the Barcelona Ciència welcomes the increase in funding, the programme is to promote scientific creation of a management structure that knowledge and involve citizens in its progress. makes it possible to execute it and the It includes the Barcelona 2020-2023 Science political will that the renewal of the Plan, which continues to promote Barcelona commitment of the City Council signals, with as a city of science by allocating 4 million a new council team that has reconfirmed and to the achievement of 15 objectives given long-term stability to the plan, which through 51 actions, which will strengthen the was approved at the end of the previous scientific, research and knowledge fabric of legislature. “There was always good will on the city. The measure, which is a continuation the part of the administration, but it was of the 2018 plan, aims to provide the City necessary to go further to promote its Council with a sound science policy. The deployment,“ says Ferrer. strategic lines along which the Barcelona www.barcelona.cat/barcelonaciencia Science Plan is being deployed are to raise awareness of the international projection of the city’s higher education and scientific institutions and scientific community, assign BARCELONA

ACTIVA Barcelona City Council’s Local Development Agency designs and implements employment and business creation policies in a bid to make the city an international benchmark for working, doing

CIBERNÀRIUM business and living in a way that is compatible with its Barcelona Activa’s information social and environmental values. Among the different and technology acquisition service initiatives it is implementing is the advanced technological offers technological training for training offered by Cibernàrium’s IT Academy, which offers professionals, companies and citizens free web programming courses to people wishing to find work through almost 200 different activities in in the always in demand ICT sector. The IT Academy method is fields like computer science, marketing based on a personalized, flexible approach to learning. Once the and communications, programming, training has been completed –after around 350 hours– business and companies, web, image Barcelona Activa offers learners the tools and support they and design, education and IT, and require to look for work and puts them in touch with digital and 3D manufacturing, from companies in need of ICT professionals. It is a methodology the most basic to the most that provides professional retraining in advanced digital advanced level. skills and thereby helps to position Barcelona cibernarium.barcelonactiva.cat as a city of Digital Talent. cibernarium.barcelonactiva.cat/it-academy

34 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 Welcome to Barcelona

It can be an adventure going to a city only accommodated them, but also Our flats and rooms must meet safety where you have never been, or maybe given them practical information. We and quality standards. We make sure you have only visited for a holiday, have told them about the cultural that the rental process is easy and agile where you only know what you are offerings of our city, athttps://bcu.cat/ and we help students by attending to going to study, or you only know what en/agenda/, because leisure is also part them at our office as well as by phone project you are going to do... We want of the experience of spending a season and online. That is why in 2014 the you to begin your experience in the best abroad, as it’s another way of learning UNESCO Chair placed the BCU as an possible way. and socializing with new friends. example of good practices for the internationalization of universities. We offer you a wide range of accommodations so you can choose the How do we This recognition encourages us to one you like best and feel at home. With continue working to offer a good this aim, the universities of Barcelona, help you? service. And not just to students, together with the City Council and the We strive to make your stay a wonderful professors and researchers. Given that Catalan Government, created (more memory that lasts forever. We want Barcelona is the first city in the world to than twenty years ago) the Barcelona you to enjoy the quality of life that organize international conferences and Centre Universitari, an official service this cosmopolitan and modern considering the number of attendees, for the reception and support of the Mediterranean city offers you, that we at the BCU also support organizers university and scientific community. you feel comfortable and help to make through the Conferences section of our Barcelona an international hub of talent website, https://bcu.cat/en/, where we Over the years we have helped attraction. Last year, Barcelona was list universities venues that can host thousands of young people who awarded the “Best City Talent Attraction” events. have come to learn in our universities by The Class of 2020 organization. and to develop their projects in At the BCU we are proud to have Barcelona’s research centres and its contributed to the achievement of this metropolitan area. And we have not award.

2020/21 Student Guide | bcu.cat | 35 Barcelona is the only city in the world • Improve the regulation and increase the magazine is also distributed through with a dedicated off ice like BCU that number of aff ordably-priced university research centres, consulates and events centralizes help for students from accommodation. such as national and international fairs diff erent universities. • Promote the university community’s and the Barcelona International Welcome shared housing accommodation. Day, which is organized every year by To provide excellent service with the • Create a Permanent Technical Board Barcelona City Council. best conditions, the BCU ensures that all to improve the accommodation of the accommodation: university community and talent. To help students from our universities who are going to spend time at foreign • Has a certificate of occupancy and One of the outstanding actions of the universities, we included the FROM BCN energy certificate, or activities license BCU is the edition of the magazine section on our website, with practical • Is safe that you have in your hands, which information on accommodation, • Is in good hygienic condition was published in Catalan and English consulates and leisure in other cities • Has wifi last year. It was created to inform the around the world. • Is furnished and equipped in a “ready to local and international community move-in” condition about research topics that are being developed in Barcelona and initiatives The BCU, as a specialized entity in the to attract international talent. Each year, university accommodation sector, is the English version reaches 30,000 part of the Municipal Advisory Council people from other countries that come of Universities (CAMU). In this Council’s to our city. Most of them receive the meetings (in 2018) the following actions publication when they arrive at their were proposed: university destination in Barcelona. The What the do for does BCU you?

More than More than 2,000 100,000 people hosted people by BCU C/ Torrent de l’Olla, 219 informed 08012 Barcelona Tel.: (34) 932 389 049 [email protected] Monday-Thursday: Personalized 9 am - 2 pm and 3 pm - 4:45 pm Fryday: 9 am - 2 pm attention to more than 500 85 researchers and Metro: Lesseps (L3) attended 22, 24, 27, 87, 116, V17, professors H6, D40, N4, N0 nationalities

Pàdua, Plaça Molina, Sant Gervasi, Gràcia 2019 data

36 | bcu.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 ‘s Tips for before...Take it easy! a ...RENTING A FLAT The location: Make sure the flat you choose is close to public transportation that will connect you to your university. b ...SIGNING A LEASE Type: Pick your flat wisely and make sure it 1 Read the agreement and make sure meets all your requirements. you’ve understood it all. c Inventory: 2 If you are renting the flat with friends, Both after your arrival and when be prepared to pay the whole deposit, ...MAKING A DECISION you leave the flat, write down in the rent and utilities/services. In this case inventory all signs of wear and tear you you should keep in mind your joint Come to BCU and talk to us! You can ask may find. Take photos and videos if you responsibilities. us all the questions you might have about feel it’s necessary. You need to notify your stay in Catalonia. You have at your the landlord of any imperfections within disposal the best guidance experts: they’ll 48 hours of your arrival. From then on, help you out before you’ve made your you’re responsible for the care and decision and afterwards. This is what we maintenance of the furniture, electrical do. appliances, and general state of the flat and, once the contract comes to an end, you must leave it all as it was and in the same place you found it.

Landlord: The landlord must be informed as soon 3 Ask for a copy of the regulations as possible when household items suffer and guidelines that are part of the any kind of fault or damage so that the tenancy agreement you’re signing. problem can be solved quickly. 4 Make sure all repairs and upgrades are formally written down in the inventory, which must be signed by you and the landlord.

5 Keep a copy of the tenancy agreement, the regulations and guidelines, the inventory and any other documents you might consider significant. www.bcu.cat

2020/21 Student Guide | bcu.cat | 37

What do we offer? Resa Housing, Barcelona Centre Universitari’s accommodation service, is managed by Resa, that has its own database, which includes rooms and flats in Barcelona resahousing.com and its metropolitan area. You can browse what’s available on our website, which is updated daily. You’ll [email protected] find images of the flats and their location on a map, as well as other practical information. You’ll be able to book whatever interests you online or, if you’d prefer, in person at our office. Our flats and rooms meet all quality, safety and hygiene (34) 932 389 072 guarantees. They are all furnished and fully equipped.

1 We help you out in your search for In order to gain admission to our service rooms and flats, and we evaluate your you must: needs and budget. Be a member of either the Catalan 2 We provide you with detailed university community or a research information regarding every type of centre. In order for us to make sure lodging: dorms, hotels, etc. you comply with this condition you will have to present documents as 3 We offer personalized attention to all proof. students, lecturers and researchers. Provide us with a photocopy of your 4 We accompany those interested to visit passport, identity card or NIE. the flats and rooms.

5 We manage rental agreements that fulfil all requirements: seasonal, short-stay, etc.

6 We have an online reservation service.

2020/21 Student Guide | bcu.cat | 39 TURISME DE BARCELONA AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS What do we do at Turisme de Barcelona for MA and post-graduate students?

The Turisme de Barcelona consortium experiences, products and services, associated with knowledge and talent is the organisation responsible for based on their motivations and concerns. is becoming an opportunity, not just for promoting Barcelona and its surrounding responsible tourism, but for the city itself. area as a tourist destination. It works with 2- Talent, enterprise and know how. its shareholders – the Barcelona Chamber We work with groups of professionals 4- Information for visitors. Turisme of Commerce, Barcelona City Council from the tourism industry to foster and de Barcelona has a network of tourist and the Barcelona Promotion Foundation strengthen knowledge through talent information offices in Barcelona that – to raise the profile of Barcelona as a and enterprise. We have long-standing provide assistance for visitors in 25 tourist destination, taking into account experience and know how in the field languages. Students and their families those segments of the public that bring of MICE tourism through the BCB can discover the city and its attributes quality tourism and added value, as (conventions, congresses and incentive and gain a more in-depth knowledge of part of its commitment to sustainable travel). This is very important for the Barcelona and its region with specific and responsible tourism. One of the city due to its impact and the returns initiatives designed to make it easier to consortium’s main goals is to strengthen it represents. Post-graduate university visit places of interest. They include the the culture and all our attributes as an students provide a golden opportunity Barcelona Bus Turístic and the Barcelona aspirational and transformative city by to increase the numbers of medium- to Card, which offer free admission and highlighting our distinguishing features, long-term visitors who are motivated discounts at the city’s cultural attractions. while respecting our values, admiring by knowledge and have a generational our identity and valuing our uniqueness. profile that plays a strategic role in 5- Knowledge and research. In the field One of our target segments are the MA growing and invigorating the city. of training and knowledge, Turisme and post-graduate students who travel to de Barcelona also coordinates the Barcelona to study at the universities in 3- Platform for promoting, fostering Observatory of Tourism in Barcelona: city the region. and launching proposals and projects. and region, a knowledge and statistics More than 1,000 businesses from the city platform available to all professionals that 1- Personalised experiences. We work and its surrounding area are members provides technical tools for managing on programmes and thematic strands, of Turisme de Barcelona. Overall, and administering tourist activity in the including food, shopping, sport and they provide an excellent platform for city and its surrounding area. culture, to implement strategies launching projects from the pool of talent designed for the broad public who these young graduates represent. The www.visitbarcelona.com are looking for more personalised university-plus-business binary model [email protected]

barcelonaturisme.com

40 | bcu.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 Barcelona: the world’s first city with a science and technology diplomacy

As one of the leading knowledge ecosystems and a hub for international organizations, in 2018 Barcelona launched SciTech DiploHub, the nonprofit public-private partnership in charge of deploying the city’s science and technology diplomacy. Backed by Barcelona’s leading research centers, universities, non-profits, corporations, startups and public institutions, it has the mandate to represent and promote Barcelona’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem worldwide, thus making the city a more influential player on the global stage.

This pioneering initiative empowers the global community of talent educated in Barcelona, the Barcelona Alumni network, and organizes top-notch events to connect the city’s ecosystem with other global hotspots in science and technology. It also brings together diplomatic missions, international organizations and Barcelona’s innovation ecosystem to enhance collaborative projects. Last, it trains the next generation of science diplomats around the world and delivers policy advice for local city councils, working as a think tank where scientific expertise is harnessed in support of evidence-based policy.

Join the hub! www.scitechdiplohub.org

NEXT STEP FOR YOUR INNOVATION

Pompeu Fabra University is working On entering the Tallers area, the first the tools and resources to develop their to define its own educational model, space is the Atrium, an open community talents in collaboration with the University EDvolució, in order to face the new space that serves as an arcade for community. challenges of knowledge and learning. the integrated newsroom where the The model expresses the University’s newspaper Diari de Barcelona, the As we move on..., we now come to the uniqueness as an educational institution recently restored historical newspaper, video editing and sound post-production and meets the needs of the professionals, is produced, following the agreement area, the Brainstorming area, an enterprise and stakeholders of the future. between Barcelona City Council and audiovisual creation lab, used both for It is in this context that UPF inaugurated UPF. This new digital media is edited teaching and collaborative work fitted out the new Tallers area in September 2019. by students of Journalism, Audiovisual with attractive technology. Communication and Advertising and The Tallers area is designed as a space Public Relations, as well as from other The Exhibition and Screening space is the of spaces, for managing learning and bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the continuation of the entrance Atrium. It cultural production, with shared areas University. The new Diari de Barcelona incorporates a tiered platform, for open given over to collaborative, intersectional aims to become an information use, which also allows having screens work between teaching, research benchmark for all citizens, but it will around that can be used as an exhibition and knowledge transfer, and where especially aim to reach a generation of space. From here we enter the projection educational dynamics take place that young people aged between 16 and 30. room and the set. go beyond formal training, with the aim of being a meeting point open to Behind the Atrium is the co-working And finally, the self-service and carrels the campus, the neighbourhood and area, the nerve centre of the new Tallers space, which includes areas such as society. The spaces created are flexible area, conceived as a space for swapping independent action sets and study carrels and versatile and have been designed experiences, that integrates various and the implementation of projects from a perspective of an interdisciplinary multidisciplinary sectors. The goal is that facilitate content generation and approach to learning. to invite creative agents to spend a the application of active work and residency at UPF, providing them with collaborative learning dynamics.

2020/21 Student Guide | bcu.cat | 41 METROPOLITAN LEARNING LAB

by PEMB’s proposals including: the analysis of the ecosystem of startups in the field of digital technology applied to Sport, to define the bases of a “Food Innovation Hub” design; benchmarking studies of local policies related to blockchain or quantum computing.

There are centres belonging to universities in other parts of the world that attract international talent to our city on a permanent basis. There are also training programs that, although not based in Barcelona, choose the city so that their students can get involved in the design and execution of projects e.g. the Danish “Kaospilot” program, and the students staying in Barcelona from the University of Nebraska’s business school.

Barcelona is a highly attractive city to students from all over We have identified more than twenty international the world. Many of them, apart from learning and researching, postgraduate programs focused on aspects related to the city also want to take advantage of their stay to nurture a variety and urban policies - and dozens of specialized programs in of links with the city. Barcelona also has a trove of educational various fields could also be added. In almost all the established institutions that not only includes delegations of international collaborations the participants have expressed their interest institutions, but also Catalan universities that offer their to provide continuity to the work carried out or to have students opportunities to do their practicum, internships or further academic or professional opportunities. Consequently, test a project idea at the end of a masters or doctoral thesis. articulating these relationships can be a way to retain international talent for our metropolis. Through various collaborations we have established via the Barcelona Metropolitan Strategic Plan (PEMB) (and the wide- This is how the idea of the Metropolitan Learning Lab was born ranging diversity of postgraduate programs over the last few - a space that the PEMB, in collaboration with Barcelona Centre years), we have witnessed the richness of the situation and the Universitari, offers to the academic community and institutions opportunity generate a win-win among students, knowledge to help strengthen the links between early research and future centres and the metropolis. Since 2016, more than fifty challenges of our city. students from all over the world have carried out work inspired Catalan science with international impact

These last years, Catalonia has been The Catalan Association of Research it does so by promoting the adoption strongly committed to research and Centres (ACER), established in 2003 and dissemination of good practices in the achieved results have raised us to and currently chaired by Dr. Josep research management, transparency and international leading positions. Taking a Samitier, Director of the Institute for social perception of research returns of its look at some of the indicators, we can Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), is an associates. see that the total amount of ERCs granted independent association of institutions to Catalonia by both the FP7 and H2020 with legal personality - mainly foundations represent a 3.2% of the European Research and consortia – located in Catalonia, Area, while the Catalan population only and whose main aim is to carry out amounts to 1.5% of the total in this same international high-impact research area. In other words, its capacity to attract activities. Its 36 associated research competitive funds more than doubles its centres have some features that allow demographic weight. them to excel and compete with the world’s best institutions. This qualitative leap has been possible thanks to the commitment of different ACER represents and promotes the governments and the ability of research visibility, prominence and projection of groups to attract talent. Thus, Catalonia all its associates. It promotes, as well, has nowadays research centres from their impact on society and ensures their a wide range of areas, most of them relevant role in defining not only Catalan established during the last 20 years, which and national science policies, but also complement, often cooperatively, the R&D European (EU) ones, whenever possible. activity carried out by the public sector ACER supports excellence in research (universities, hospitals and technology as a key sector for social, cultural and centres). economic progress of any country. And

42 | bcu.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) We ensure that the research conducted at the UB has a positive impact on society

Research conducted at Studies in Violence of the universities is essential for Faculty of Psychology and the advancement of society. the Prison Service of the At the FBG, the University Government of Catalonia, of Barcelona’s Technology is a good example in this Transfer Off ice, we connect regard. Over the last ten years, academia and the business RisCanvi has become one world to contribute to the of the cornerstones of both improvement of social welfare. preventive and rehabilitative management and penitentiary We do this, on the one hand, by policy of the Government of facilitating the creation of new Catalonia, and has enabled innovative companies based the improvement of processes on technology and knowledge such as the granting of developed at the University. permits and restrictive and These spin-off s allow science to other rehabilitative actions have an impact on society, not (probation, etc.) through more only by providing innovative than 30,000 evaluations. products that improve people’s lives, but also by creating jobs In addition, in 2019 we have and wealth. In 2018, UB spin- launched the Living Lab UB, off s generated €5.3 million, a social innovation laboratory employed 113 people and created to off er solutions to obtained €3.7 million in public challenges faced by companies and private funding. and institutions by bringing together the best researchers On the other hand, we in various disciplines and also work to protect the relevant social actors. Thanks technology developed at to its over 6,000 researchers the UB and to encourage and the FBG’s expertise in the commercialization of project management, the patents and licences created University of Barcelona is an in an academic context. For exceptional environment in example, a patent jointly which to develop this project. developed by researchers from the University of Barcelona, In sum, for over thirty-five the Pompeu Fabra University, years, the priority of the FBG, and the Hospital Clínic of as an agent of economic and Off ering Barcelona was acquired by social development, has been the company Galgo Medical to facilitate the transfer of service to to develop software that knowledge and the results generates 3D models to assist of R&D&I to society in order more than in the diagnosis, planning, to increase and improve the and performance of heart impact that basic and applied 6,000 surgery. The Hospital Clínic of university research can have on Barcelona has been using this the world. researchers software for over five years to improve the treatment of arrhythmia. 36 Companies and institutions that contract out research years and services to the UB are another fundamental aspect of facilitating knowledge transfer. RisCanvi, the transfer of a program jointly developed by the Group for Advanced knowledge 2020/21 Student Guide | bcu.cat | 43 UB | UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA

Student Suport Service (SAE) Office of Mobility and International Programs (OMPI) Pavelló Rosa (recinte de la Maternitat) Adolf Florensa, 8 - 08028 Barcelona Travessera de les Corts, 131-159 - 08028 Barcelona Tel.: (34) 933 556 000 Tel.: (34) 934 035 380/(34) 934 035 562 Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fax: (34) 934 035 387

ub.edu www.ub.edu/sae/contacte/bustia.htm www.ub.edu/sae/ [email protected] www.ub.edu/uri/

44 | bcu.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 UAB | UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA

The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Founded in 1968, the UAB is one of for almost 2,100 students. Approximately (UAB) is a leading public university with the top academic institutions in Spain 50,000 people can be found on campus a strong international vocation, highly and the European Union. It is one of daily, with some 10,000 international committed to promoting mobility, the leading universities in many world students from 90 countries worldwide. collaboration and the capture of talent. rankings such as the QS World University Every year, the UAB reaches new mobility Rankings (QS WUR), the Times Higher agreements with universities from around The UAB offerstop level academic Education World University Rankings the world. programmes in all areas of knowledge, (THE WUR), the Academic Ranking of with almost 100 bachelor’s degrees, World Universities (ARWU) and the UI In 2016, the UAB Barcelona Summer some 300 official and UAB-specific GreenMetric World University Ranking. School was created. It offers a wide master’s degrees and graduate diplomas array of subjects in several fields and and almost 70 PhD programmes. The UAB campus measures 263 hectares takes place from the end of June to the Academic teaching at the UAB is - of which 60% is covered in forests beginning of August. Most of the courses characterised by its multidisciplinarity and green areas - and is just a stone’s are taught in English, with an option and is closely linked to many research throw away from Barcelona. It offers all to learn and improve your Spanish as a activities. The UAB pioneers the types of services: specialised libraries Foreign Language. Depending on the implementation of several action plans open 24 hours a day, computer halls regulations of each home university, focused on increasing sustainability and laboratories, a language school, especially if there is a mobility agreement and environment-friendly measures on healthcare centre, sports hall, theatre, with the UAB, students will be able to campus. cinema, restaurants and shops, as well transfer the credits earned during their as a hotel and residence halls with space stay to their current degree.

Contact with InfoUAB Plaça Cívica – 08193 Bellaterra (Campus UAB) Contact with UAB International Support Service Tel.: (34) 935 811 111 Building Biblioteca de Comunicació i Hemeroteca General. [email protected] - www.uab.cat Plaça Cívica – 08193 Bellaterra (Campus UAB) facebook.com/uabbarcelona Tel.: (34) 935 812 210

twitter.com/uabbarcelona [email protected] uab.cat www.instagram.com/uabbarcelona

2020/21 Student Guide | bcu.cat | 45 www.bcu.cat|45 UPC | UNIVERSITAT POLITÈCNICA DE CATALUNYA The university for Engineering, Architecture, Sciences and Technology

64 708 30,161 93% bachelor’s degrees higher education students of UPC graduates institutions with are in employment student exchange 75 agreements 4,586 master’s degrees students on 86% 29 taught in English internship of UPC graduates 2,717 find employment students on within 6 months 46 international doctoral mobility programmes programmes 228 50 lifelong learning international courses double-degree agreements with 32 18 universities schools on 8 campuses

The best university in Spain in Engineering and Technology 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject

BACHELOR’S DEGREE COURSES General information International Relations Bureau www.upc.edu/en/bachelors/ www.upc.edu/sri Tel.: (34) 934 016 200 MASTER’S DEGREES [email protected] www.upc.edu/en/masters/ Tel.: (34) 934 137 505 Twitter: @la_UPC DOCTORAL PROGRAMMES [email protected] www.facebook.com/universitatUPC www.doctorat.upc.edu/en Twitter: @UPC_IR www.facebook.com/UPCInternational upc.edu Instagram: @la_UPC LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMMES www.talent.upc.edu Instagram: @UPC_International

46 | bcu.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 UPF | UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA UPF is a public, international High-quality teaching and and it is the most productive (Catalan, Spanish and and research-intensive outstanding research university in Spain according English) for both teaching university. Founded in 1990, UPF is committed to to several national rankings and research. As a result, it has quickly earned a place offering high-quality, (BBVA Foundation or the CyD all doctoral programmes for itself among the best comprehensive, student- Foundation). and a wide range of universities in Europe. centred learning. The master’s programmes success of this model International vocation can be fully or partially The University, which has is proved by different UPF and Barcelona share taken in English, as can an three campuses located indicators such as the high a cosmopolitan character everincreasing percentage in the heart of Barcelona, satisfaction rate among UPF and open-minded view of of undergraduate-level specializes in the following graduates. the world. Actually, the coursework. The University fields: Health and life University’s international also offers theBarcelona sciences, Economic and UPF is also a research profile starts with its faculty; International Summer business, Political and social intensive university. most of them have extensive School (BISS), which is science, Law, Humanities, Accordingly, it ranks among international experience a flagship programme to Translation and language the top 20 European or are directly recruited advance the curriculum sciences, Communication, universities with the largest abroad. This policy has of both domestic and and Engineering and ICT. number of competitive helped to make UPF a international undergraduate projects funded by the multilingual university with students during the summer European Research Council three working languages term in Barcelona.

RANKINGS FACTS QUALITY & FIGURES INDICATORS 11th highest ranked young university in the world 12,680 students 2,275 incoming (Times Higher Education students from 49 countries ranking, 2019) 30 degree programmes offered in English 45% of master’s 2nd in Spain and 23rd (undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students in Europe (U-Multirank 2019, and doctorate) are international promoted by the EU)

27% of teaching staff 91% of graduates 1st in Spain since 2013 is international would choose UPF again (U-Ranking, 2019)

General information International Relations Service University Information (PIE) Mobility and Reception Office C/ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 - 08005 Barcelona C/ Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 - 08005 Barcelona C/ Roc Boronat, 138 - 08018 Barcelona C/ Roc Boronat, 138 - 08018 Barcelona C/ Dr. Aiguader, 80 - 08003 Barcelona Tel.: (34) 935 422 203 / 12 64

Tel.: (34) 935 422 228 [email protected] - upf.edu [email protected] - http://www.upf.edu/en http://www.upf.edu/incoming/

2020/21 Student Guide | bcu.cat | 47 URL | UNIVERSITAT RAMON LLULL

The URL in numbers

20,129 19.2% International students ACADEMIC AND Students 3.856 Students TEACHING FIELD* 52,2% 14 Women Agreements FACULTIES & 3 INTERNATIONAL worldwide SCHOOLS PROJECTION* 750 UNIVERSITY INSTITUTES

Degrees: Year 2020-21 +800 46 60 11 Placement agreements with international companies BACHELOR’S MASTER’S PHD DEGREES DEGREES PROGRAMMES

1 URL - specific degrees: Year 2020-2 53 1,624,260 € +300 Research groups European funding RESEARCH AND Bachelor's degrees, master's INNOVATION* degrees, postgraduate courses A federation of universitity +4,000 and other postgraduate degrees 45 24 Agreements with companies institutions and institutions THESES DEFENDED ACTIVE COMPETITIVE IN THE LAST YEAR EUROPEAN RESEARCH PROJECTS Ramon Llull University (URL), located 15 = 1.47 33 436 University with the in Barcelona, is a private, non-for-profit Libraries Million ACTIVE COMPETITIVE PUBLICATIONS INDEXED IN volumes largest stock of library NATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECTS THE WEB OF SCIENCE 2018 university. It is inspired by humanist books in Catalonia and Christian values and promotes a *Information from the 2019-20 annual report public service that aims to provide a high-quality, personalised education Ramon Llull University comprises of Social Education and Social Work, to respond to the needs of our society. ten higher education and research HTSI School of Tourism & Hospitality It also has a clear commitment to the institutions with a long tradition and Management Sant Ignasi, Ebro internationalization of its activity, to a prestigious reputation in Catalonia Observatory University Institute, Borja promote excellence in academic and (IQS, Blanquerna, La Salle, Faculty of Institute of Bioethics and ESDi Higher research training. Philosophy, Esade, Pere Tarrés Faculty School of Design, an associated school).

General information International Relations Off ice C/ Claravall, 1-3 - 08022 Barcelona C/ Claravall 1-3 - 08022 Barcelona Tel.: (34) 936 022 200 Tel.: (34) 936 022 231 Fax: (34) 936 022 249 Fax: (34) 936 022 249

url.edu [email protected] [email protected] www.url.edu http://www.url.edu/internacional

48 | bcu.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 UVIC-UCC | UNIVERSITAT DE VIC - UNIVERSITAT CENTRAL DE CATALUNYA

Open to the world and focusing on Study Abroad - Programmes in 3. International Summer Term all-round training, the University of Vic Barcelona There are full-time programmes with - Central University of Catalonia (UVic- The courses below are for university practical seminars, field activities and UCC) offers degree courses in the fields students who wish to spend a few a range of off-campus activities held in of Science, Education, Business, Health, weeks at the University of Vic - Central Barcelona during summer time: Biosciences, Engineering, Humanities, University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) in • Spanish Language and Culture in Design and Communication. In its Barcelona to broaden their studies in Barcelona city-university environment UVic-UCC the areas of business, innovation and • Marketing and Business 4.0 attaches great importance to the design. This innovative training does teacher-student relationship, integrated not come under any of the standard For further information: training and employment prospects. mobility programmes and international www.uvic.cat/en/international/study- cooperation schemes. UVic-UCC offers abroad At the University of Vic - Central three different types of programmes. University of Catalonia we defend values associated with the unity of 1. Academic year / Semester programme all knowledge and training based on This programme is aimed at international science, research and technological students who wish to spend one or two innovation to enhance progress and semesters in Barcelona. UVic-UCC offers quality of life. By choosing to study Spanish courses that can be combined or do research in Vic you will have an with other elective courses in English experience of quality and university life in in the fields of Business, Design & a town on a human scale. Innovation.

The International Campus is an umbrella 2. Tailored courses for international UVic-UCC activities, UVic-UCC offers tailored courses teacher mobility and exchange schemes, for groups of international students postgraduate courses, research, and teachers in the fields of Arts & continuing education and international Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, cooperation projects. Experimental Sciences, Technology, Thirty-one research groups, five research Engineering, and Health Sciences. and knowledge transfer centres and The programmes can be exclusively thirteen chairs carry forward UVic-UCC academic or combined with cultural visits research activity. and sightseeing.

International Relations Area Study Abroad Programs in BCN UVic-UCC BAU, Design College of BCN C/ Sagrada Família, 7 - 08500 Vic C/ Sagrada Família, 7 - 08500 Vic C/ Pujades, 118 - 08005 Barcelona Tel.: (34) 938 861 222 Tel.: (34) 938 816 176 Tel.: (34) 938 815 522 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] uvic.cat

2020/21 Student Guide | bcu.cat | 49 UIC Barcelona

Universitat Internacional de Catalunya Sant Cugat Campus Barcelona Campus C/ Josep Trueta, s/n C/ Immaculada, 22 Hospital Universitari General de Catalunya Building 08017 Barcelona 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès uic.es Tel.: (34) 932 541 800 Tel.: (34) 935 042 000 [email protected] [email protected]

50 | bcu.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 UAO CEU | UNIVERSITAT ABAT OLIBA CEU Abat Oliba CEU University, located REASONS TO STUDY AT UAO CEU research projects and proposals for short- in Barcelona, is one of three privately or long-term stays in foreign universities. run, social-initiative universities that EXPERIENCE make up the CEU educational group, Abat Oliba CEU University is one of three INTERNATIONAL HOSTING SERVICE established by the Catholic Association universities in the CEU group, the largest If you are an international student, Abat of Propagandists. Off icially recognised private institution in Spain: Oliba CEU University makes it easy for as a university in 2003, it has more than – Over 85 years’ experience training you to obtain the documentation you forty years’ experience in the provision professionals need to formalise your enrolment (UNED of higher education. Its current structure – More than 210,000 students have credentials or recognition of degrees comprises three faculties (Law and studied with us obtained abroad in Spain) and helps Business; Communication, Education you with all the necessary bureaucratic and Humanities; and Psychology) in EMPLOYMENT procedures (registering for your Spanish which undergraduate and graduate • 90.1% of our students find work upon ID Number, health card, etc.). studies are taught. The University’s completion of their studies Contact the University’s Information and most distinguishing features are the • 90% of UAO CEU graduates in work Guidance Service to find out more at satisfaction of its students and the high are in positions carrying out functions [email protected] employability rate of its graduates, as requiring a university education demonstrated in studies by independent Survey carried out by AQU (the Catalan University bodies. Furthermore, as part of its Quality Agency) in 2017. commitment to internationalise studies, the University also off ers several degrees INTERNATIONAL VOCATION that are taught in two languages. Our students acquire the linguistic and cultural knowledge they need to work Keenly aware of the importance of the anywhere in the world. professional prospects of its students, • 13 bilingual programmes taught in English. the University has developed a teaching • Specialisation programs in the U.S. and methodology based on classes in Germany TALENT & WORK small groups, workshops and practical • Visits to national and international A new department designed to train people seminars, and individualised tutoring companies and production centres and boost career prospects through a programmes. The University also through a programme of placements highly eff ective system of internships off ers a range of programmes for skills • More than 100 agreements to carry out and employment programmes, one that development and international mobility, part of your studies or internships at the understands and integrates the needs of such as internships abroad, among best universities in more than 25 countries companies and which promotes the very others, meaning students receive the best throughout Europe, America (North, best of each student to develop their skills education to prepare them for the world Central and South), and Asia. and help them achieve their professional of work, be it at home or abroad. goals. Includes: The alumni employment rate is 90.1%, PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL • Professional Careers Orientation Service one of the highest for all Catalan DEVELOPMENT • Work Placement and Employment Service universities in the field of social sciences New international experience that • Entrepreneurship Department (AQU 2017 jobs market insertion survey). encourages students from all degree • Links to Companies programmes to internationalise their Abat Oliba CEU University is committed studies from the first year to the fourth, SCHOLARSHIPS AND STUDY GRANTS to academic and professional excellence, with international collaborative activities, The CEU is the educational institution that as well as to providing its students a well- academic exchanges of both teachers grants the most scholarships and financial rounded, comprehensive education. and students, participation in international aid to its students.

Information Service International Off ice C/ , 30 - 08022 Barcelona C/ Bellesguard, 30 - Off ice 2.01 - 08022 Barcelona Tel.: (34) 932 537 200 Tel.: (34) 932 540 918 [email protected] [email protected] www.uaoceu.es uaoceu.es

2020/21 Student Guide | bcu.cat | 51 RESA LIFE STYLE

STAY WITH US FROM 1 TO 12 MONTHS

BOOK NOW www.resa.es T. 900 649 169 (National calls within Spain) Resa T. +34 93 394 35 00 (International calls) www.resahousing.com T. +34 932 389 072 INCUBATORS Barcelona is synonymous with Promoting and supporting the entrepreneurial talent. It’s the main creation of enterprises. start-up hub in southern Europe and the third favourite destination for AlmogàversAlmogàvers start-up creators, with an This incubator aims to collaboratebt with other entrepreneurial activity rate that organizations to promote Barcelona Activa outstrips the European average. Since Barcelona’s entrepreneurial 1986, when the City Council impelled ecosystem. Since 2020, the the creation of Barcelona Activa, the programme has been local development agency that was supporting companies in the conceived as a business incubator, it creative industries. has demonstrated its clear

commitment to Parc TecnològicTecnològic Business CentrCentree promoting the city as Fostering a favourable a major business hub. environment for the growth of OPEN FORF Almost 35 years later, technology companies that are its strategic lines of more than a year and a half old, action continue to this business centre seeks to promote advanced industry in stimulate the city’s BUSINEBUSINESS entrepreneurial fields like robotics, the Internet of Things and 3D printing. ecosystem, which contributes to the creation of quality employment and helps to position GlòriesGlòries Barcelona as an international Focused on providing support benchmark for entrepreneurship. for highly innovative start-ups with a UXLab to help start-ups Barcelona Activa offers business design user-centric products. awareness and guidance services for entrepreneurs with information sessions in Catalan, Spanish and InnoBAdoraInnoBAdora English, as well as collaborating with Focused on collaborative co universities and business schools and growth with connections to transformative economies and offering advice on how to start up a specialised in socioeconomic company and online services and innovation initiatives. training activities in support of entrepreneurship. emprenedoria.barcelonactiva.cat MediaTICMediaTIC Barcelona Activa Promotes and supports the creationreation and a growth of ACCELERATORS businesses developing technology related to artificial Organizations that drive the early stages of a business, helping them to achieve intelligence, the Internet of exponential growth and find investors. Things, robotics and big data. ConectorConector This entity accelerates innovative technology-based start-ups that are still at the seed stage. They help entrepreneurs push their project to the next level in six months by improving their skills, providing them with the contacts they need and helping them to mature and test out their projects with a network of mentors. www.conector.com

Ship2BShip2B This organization offers different sectoral acceleration and investment programmes for start-ups and technological spin-offs with a social or environmental impact. They accelerate their growth through alliances, mentoring, funding and business impact. www.ship2b.org

SeedRocketSeedRocket Since 2008, SeedRocket been putting start-ups with high growth potential in touch with its network of investors and mentors. In addition, they offer a shared work and knowledge space that fosters synergies between entrepreneurs. www.seedrocket.com Barcelona Activa

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 53 KNOWLEDGEKNOWLEDGE TRANSFERTRANSFER

2020 will go down in history as the year of Covid-19. Almost half of the world’s population is confined to their homes by a virus that has triggered a profound healthcare, economic and social crisis. This context has put the work of researchers in the spotlight and underlined more than ever the importance of research. Everyone is waiting expectantly for advances in biomedicine and other areas of research that will stop the pandemic, but there are other aspects of research that also connect universities and research centres with society

OPEN CODE MOTION CAPTURE

Created in 2014, Chordata Motion is an open source motion system, able to capture the movement of the human body in three dimensions. From the very beginning its vocation was to become a business project, and now, as a UOC spin-off, it has around 30 users around the world, mainly in the American, English and German markets. The current prototype has applications in various fields, including robotics, visual arts, video games and health and sports sciences. After a crowdfunding campaign to implement new features, Chordata should be

Simone Proietti Marcellini Simone Proietti available in the market and available for purchase online by 2021. chordata.cc AN APP THAT HELPS YOU SAVE AND INVEST Goin is a mobile application that allows you to save and invest money automatically without the need for financial expertise and without worries. The co-founders of the start-up, David Riudor, Gabriel Esteban and Carlos Rodríguez, first met during an engineering competition when they were still students at the UPC. After winning AngelHack’s HACKcelerator and the Techstars program in the with their business idea, they moved to the Emprèn UPC Entrepreneurship Space, where they now employ thirty people. Their goal for 2021 is to gain presence in most of the countries of the European Union and later to go

public. goin.app Goin

54 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 USING MICROORGANISMS TO UNDERSTAND SARS-VOC-2

Since 2015, Núria Montserrat, an ICREA research professor at the Catalan Institute of Bioengineering (IBEC), has been working with stem cells, generating organoids to study how our body tissues are created and to understand how they lose their functionality in the presence of a disease. She uses genetic engineering and bioengineering to grow microorganisms, as well as 3D printing and microfluidics systems –systems that reproduce at the micro level the physical parameters present in our organs, such as blood flow and pressure. She is also searching for pharmaceutical and therapeutic solutions. Following the Covid-19 crisis, Montserrat’s team, in collaboration with scientists from , Canada and Austria, has identified a drug that may be able to slow down coronavirus infections in the kidneys. The drug (APM01), which was already commercially available, was designed for SARS disease and acts as a false gateway for SARS-CoV-2 by creating a soluble protein similar PREGNANCY Treematernity to that of the enzyme through which the virus replicates. In that way, it “deceives and kidnaps” the Covid-19 virus, which MONITORING finds neither the genetic material nor the cells it needs to replicate itself. Covid-19 is a multiorgan disease: in addition STRAPS to the lungs, it affects other organs such as the kidneys and the heart, which is why the team at IBEC is creating micro- Treematernity is a URV kidneys and micro-hearts, to understand how the virus start-up that was founded enters the cells of these organs and to identify the common by midwives Vanessa Sanz, differentiated cellular signals that are activated in them. That Montse Gasparín and Mabel will allow us to discover more about the disease and identify Gendre, who are graduates possible therapeutic targets. “We see what happens to the in nursing from the same organ affected by the virus, even if it is a microorganism. The university. Their device is next step is to find out what happens to the cells in the post- called the Belty: disposable infection phase and whether the treatment we have used monitoring straps that are a works in the longer term,“ she explains. “By copying the new generation of ready to systemic conditions of diabetes or hypertension in organoid wear, safe, hygienic cultures, we will try to emulate with bioengineering how the obstetric belts suitable for virus affects this type of patient.”. www.ibecbarcelona.eu water birthing and more comfortable for pregnant women, created with the aim of improving pregnancy care and facilitating the work of midwives. After processing the patent, thanks to the money granted after winning the 2019 Nursing Innovation Award, they have now manufactured the first 2,000 prototypes, which are ready for testing. www.treematernity.com

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 55 BETAHAUS

Paying a fixed or flexible monthly rate, you have access to this six-floor coworking venue with open and private offices and fully equipped meeting rooms, as well as places for socialising, such as terraces –they have five!– the rooftop and the café . You’ll find all kinds of profiles here, from self-employed people and entrepreneurs to start-ups and SMEs, and 45 different nationalities. www.betahaus.es Betahaus KUBIK

Catalonia’s pioneering coworking space hosts a transdisciplinary community of entrepreneurs in a 900m2 area spread over three floors. It has rates for all needs: flexible, fixed spaces, for teams and day passes. Pay special attention to the #ZonaDeConfortCreativa, with its workshops, talks and presentations, which are mostly free. www.kubikbcn.com Kubik LA VACA

This ex-dairy in the Poblenou districts is now a coworking space with six different rates adapted to the needs of freelancers, entrepreneurs, digital nomads and start-ups. There are plenty of social and professional events on offer here, including workshops and meetups, as well as activities featuring sports and art –they even have an Artistic Afterwork events. www.lavacacoworking.com La Vaca COWORKINGCOWO

The demand for shared workspacesw in Barcelona continues to grow. The opportunities they offoffer to create synergies, reduce costs, make contacts and reconcile wowork and personal life is proving especially attractive to self-employed workers and digital nomads. There are over 100 coworking spaces in tthe city, most of which are in Gràcia, the Eixample and the 22@ didistrict, and they help to foster networking and the mobility of internationalinternatio talent and have become the best option for certain professionalprofessiona profiles, to the point that rentals of coworking spaces now exceedsexceed that of traditional offices.

MOB

Three coworking locations –in the Eixample, Born and Sant Antoni– that host a community of over 300 people who enjoy access to all three spaces and all of the events held in them. Just choose the plan that suits you best, hot desking or a fixed desk, and you’ll also have the use of a meeting room, workshops and an event room. mob-barcelona.com Mob WE WORK

This multinational organization is present in 127 cities around the world and has five strategically located sites in Barcelona. Membership gives you the right to use their coworking spaces wherever they are located. At the Glòries venue, as well as the usual work-related services, they are trying to make your life more pleasant by offering you the use of a wellness room, recreational games and bike storage facilities –and you can even bring your dog! www.wework.com We Work

56 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 CRISTINA PUJADES Scientist and Professor at Pompeu OPINION Fabra University

Finally, our major research support BARCELONA IN infrastructures were set up in collaboration with the Spanish government. These investments have led to the creation of major infrastructures, TIMES OF including the MareNostrum supercomputer (2004), the National Centre for Genomic CORONAVIRUS: Analysis (CNAG, 2009) and the Alba Synchrotron (2010). It is a complex, coordinated network that THE CITY BEYOND has put us in the world science map and created an international scientific hub. We have been attractive enough to convince international TOURISM research centres that it is worth setting up in Barcelona, as was the case of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), an international centre for pioneering biomedical arcelona is known around the world as studies, which moved here in 2017. All of that a tourist destination: one that has given us a city with internationally combines easily accessible beaches recognized biomedical research groups and with entertainment and street life. But public hospitals staffed by excellent BBarcelona is so much more, and we professionals undertaking medical research. have been able to confirm that during the global Furthermore, in recent years we have built health crisis triggered by the coronavirus infrastructure that would have been pandemic. Barcelona’s ability to meet this unimaginable 30 years ago, as well as building challenge has been amply demonstrated, thanks an internationalized, connected, multi- to its health care professionals and public disciplinary, interdisciplinary scientific hospitals, which have taken on this responsibility community, ready to face the new challenges of under very trying circumstances. planetary well-being. In this sense, Barcelona Barcelona is currently a major scientific hub City Council is committed to developing the with international prestige in terms of Ciutadella del Coneixement project, which biomedical research. This is mainly due to a should place scientific research in the city’s continuous collective will, both on the part of geographical centre, in collaboration with public administrations and academic and health Pompeu Fabra University and other top-level institutions and of the researchers themselves. scientific institutions. Together we have been able to build an The current health crisis has reminded us of important scientific research system over the our vulnerability. It is interesting to note that last 20 years, building on the foundations of the there are a large number of research groups in R&D systems in Spain, which were laid down in Barcelona that are engaged in intense research the 1980s. In the year 2000, with the creation of into different aspects of Covid-19 in the fields of a department of Universities, Research and the virology, immunology and epidemiology. These Information Society (DURSI), Catalonia made a studies range from investigating how the virus clear commitment to scientific research, first uses the body’s cellular mechanisms to multiply creating research centres of excellence (CERCA) and other key aspects of infection to looking for and attracting international talent (ICREA), and ways to attack the virus once a person is later promoting academic researchers (through infected by using already known antivirals, and national distinctions and the ICREA Academy). the development of new molecules that could inhibit it. Together with the development of biomedical industries and spin-offs, this gives us the confidence to believe that, in the not too distant future, we will be able to carry on working in our laboratories with greater peace of mind regarding our health than we are able to do right now. It is clear that, without determined and committed financial support from public and private institutions, it will be much more difficult for the fruits of this research and its capacity to transform our economy to become a reality. It would be a great pity for a city like Barcelona, which urgently needs to believe with conviction and commitment that it aspires to be much more than just a magnificent tourist destination that the pandemic has put against the ropes, to

Getty miss this opportunity.

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 57 1

Mobile World Capital Barcelona DEEP TECH

Deep tech is technology at its purest: new, value-added, protectable scientific, technological innovations that are the result of advanced research and are capable of generating disruptive and competitive solutions in different areas and which have a profound impact on people’s lives. The development of these technologies –artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), biotechnology, new materials, machine learning and the blockchain, among others– requires a long-term investment in R&D, a risk that the private investor is not always willing to take. That is why we also need public investment, which ends up generating general benefits for society as a whole. In Catalonia there are a number of institutions that are working to support deep tech, in collaboration with the country’s universities, research centres and knowledge transfer agencies, with the aim of bringing together research and the business world, generating wealth and a 3 positive impact on society through concrete solutions.

THE COLLIDER The Collider is an innovation and technology transfer program, world –two per project– who are interested in leading deep tech promoted by Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital), which projects with a social and economic impact to form mixed teams of aims to hook up scientific talent with the business world with the scientists and entrepreneurs. The necessary conditions are thereby aim of driving innovation by creating start-ups based on disruptive created for the research project to be market tested in a short technology such as AI, IoT, the blockchain, XR/3D, new materials, period of time (around 12 weeks) and to become the basis for a 5G, devices, hardware and robotics. The aim is to transform high-value company that responds to the challenges facing the scientific excellence into market value by creating companies that industry. Since the end of 2017, when The Collider was founded, its respond to existing challenges. To achieve this, they reach out to commitment to creating new technology transfer mechanisms and corporations in various sectors, including health and well-being, supporting the creation of technology start-ups has demonstrated mobility, energy and industry 4.0, in order to identify the main that Barcelona has a mature ecosystem capable of attracting top problems that the industry will face in the future. Every year they national and international talent. More than 1,300 entrepreneurs issue a call to the scientific ecosystem to present validated projects from 36 countries have applied to join the program, which applies in the laboratory, which can then be transferred to the market. standards of excellence to scientific research and the creation of Taking the 15 proposals, selected from among the over 300 they wealth, while responding to specific needs in society and improving receive, they search for experienced entrepreneurs from all over the people’s lives. thecollider.tech

58 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 Mobile World Capital Barcelona 1. An image of The Collider’s offices. 2. Speed dating at 4YFN. 3. Students on the d·HEALTH Barcelona programme BARCELONA 2 during their clinical immersion at Institut Guttmann. DIGITAL TALENT The emergence of Barcelona’s digital economy has positioned it at the top of the rankings of the most hi-tech cities and made it the main technological hub in southern Europe. This acceleration is the result of the expansion of the ecosystem of technology start-ups –it is one of the ten most attractive European cities for digital businesses and captures 60% of the investment in start-ups in Spain– and of the significant turnover of the scale-ups that require technological talent, of Barcelona’s ability to attract the digital service centres of large multinationals and of the digital transformation of more traditional industries, such as the automotive and banking sectors. In the last two years, the demand for digital talent in Barcelona has increased by 80%, while the new talent generated by universities, vocational training, bootcamps and shorter programs, in addition to the talent it attracts from other cities, has only grown by 30%. Barcelona Digital Talent is an initiative that is working to reduce this digital talent gap, and position Barcelona as a hub for digital talent and help companies gain access to talent, the lack of which is the main obstacle to their growth. The public-private partnership led by MWCapital allows for the promotion of a common strategy involving several agents, thereby adding additional resources and generating a greater impact. The program promotes reskilling –the retraining in digital skills of professionals– and attracting new local and international professionals to the market. barcelonadigitaltalent.com

Biocat

BIOCAT Biotechnology is one of most important applications of deep tech HEALTH Barcelona postgraduate program, in which participants and includes the development of new synthetic drugs, advanced carry out clinical immersions in hospitals to identify clinical needs biological products, including the cell and gene therapies needed that have not yet been responded to, including processes, to fight cancer and vaccines for Covid-19. Biocat, the institution applications and technologies, with the aim of creating start-ups that is responsible for driving the BioRegion of Catalonia*, is with a highly technological component to work on those needs. working to maximize the final impact of their research so that we Biocat also finds and attracts international investment to invest in can enjoy better health through innovations that have a deep deep tech companies from the initial to the most advanced tech component. They are working to enhance the value chain phases –investments that at the same time generate value-added generated by health-focused research and businesses to explore employment. www.biocat.cat solutions in the fields of biotechnology, medical technologies and digital health. Biocat is currently driving several strategic projects, *BioRegion of Catalonia including CRAASH Barcelona, the acceleration program for The ecosystem that brings together all the entities, including innovation projects in advanced medical technologies –medical universities, research centres, hospitals, start-ups and devices, diagnostics, e-health and digital health– guided by administrations, working in the field of health and life sciences expert mentors from the Boston CIMIT accelerator, and the in Catalonia.

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 59 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development reflects the commitment undertaken in 2015 by the member states of the United Nations to work from 2015 to 2030 in favour of people, the planet and prosperity, with the intention of promoting world peace and equality. The Agenda sets out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 milestones for achieving its aims in the economic, social and environmental spheres, with the intention that all the stakeholders involved –states, institutions and citizens– take steps towards achieving them.

ALIANÇA CATALUNYA 2030

February 2020 saw the creation of Aliança and Cooperation at UOC, explains that a PUBLIC Catalunya 2030, a large-scale, country-wide diagnosis is being undertaken of the situation HEALTH alliance involving over 300 people, including of universities with regard to the incorporation representatives of some 30 public and private of the 2030 Agenda and during 2020 they plan organizations and entities working in various to present a plan for collective action by the Catalonia has a good public fields, with the aim of sharing resources and university system to generate change within health system, which offers health promoting joint initiatives that will help us to the country’s universities: “This is an care to all its citizens. To be eligible, achieve the SDGs set out in the Agenda for opportunity to create a plan with the you must register with the Social Sustainable Development. All of the country’s participation of the commissions of the CIC, Security, otherwise you will need to take universities, both public and private, joined the rethinking together the universities we want.” out private health insurance. Once you have registered, you can sign up for the alliance, aware of their transformative capacity Catalonia’s universities, which are working t Catalan Health Service andt.c theya will both individually, by training people, and internally and jointly along four strategic lines nca assign youcare to yourcentret.g neareste (CAP). primary collectively, by generating knowledge. Since –teaching, research, management and the salu cat May 2019, they have been working along these commitment of the university community– can lines with the 2030 Agenda Working Group, make significant contributions to one of the which is part of the General Commission for basic issues on the Agenda-knowledge: “We University Policy of the Interuniversity Council have the opportunity to create a roadmap to of Catalonia (CIC). Their coordinator, Pastora contribute with our knowledge and Martínez Samper, Vice-Rector for Globalization experience,“ says Martínez.

60 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 THE NATIONAL PLAN FOR THE 2030 AGENDA

The aim of the National Plan, which was approved at the end of contents –which include 696 unique commitments– are 2019, is the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Catalonia, available as open data and are reviewed annually. In the period ensuring the achievement of the 17 SDGs through public 2014-2019, Catalonia has contributed to these challenges policies promoted by the Government. It is an instrument for through almost 1,800 projects funded by European funds for ensuring coherent policies for sustainable development. The research and innovation.

1 2 3 4 5 6

31 projects 67 projects 162 projects 28 projects 23 projects 98 projects 27 entities 93 entities 145 entities 33 entities 18 entities 117 entities €16,696,237 in €44,604,316 in €98,404,132 in €18,543,015 in €14,239,762 in €69,193,751 in funding secured funding secured funding secured funding secured funding secured funding secured

7 8 9 10 11 12

342 projects A transversal goal A transversal goal 83 projects 279 projects 194 projects 244 entities that is present in that is present in 62 entities 265 entities 197 entities €239,257,646 in other projects other projects €36,084,743 in €171,883,449 in €115,904,282 in funding secured funding secured funding secured funding secured

13 14 15 16 17

220 projects 44 projects 55 projects 141 projects A transversal goal 190 entities 33 entities 47 entities 124 entities that is present in €140,677,208 in €17,295,489 in €23,790,672 in €77,423,041 in other projects funding secured funding secured funding secured funding secured Source of information: of information: Source ● Plataforma RIS3-MCAT Plataforma

to the SDGs laid out in the Agenda. The platform allows for the RIS3-MCAT mapping and characterization of the activity of 2,589 projects in The RIS3-MCAT Platform, which is co-financed by the European the European Horizon 2020 programme, carried out by 1,103 Regional Development Fund and the Ministry of Business and entities and funded by way of a total investment of more than €1.6 Knowledge of the Generalitat, is an open government project with billion. The results can be viewed after applying a series of filters, policies that pursue permanent, two-way, transparent such as the field to which the project belongs, the type of communications between the administration and citizens, and technology it applies, the type of entity – whether it is a public which, through artificial intelligence and data visualization, uses administration, research centre, company or university, among open data from science and innovation projects to understand others– the province it is working in and its relation to the SDGs in how European funds contribute to providing innovative responses the 2030 Agenda. ris3mcat.gencat.cat

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 61 BARCELONA INTERNATIONAL WELCOME

Barcelona International Welcome (BIW) is a tool created by English you need to guide you through some essential Barcelona City Council to attract, welcome and retain bureaucratic procedures, as well as news and information on international talent. The portal is designed to make it as easy as activities that will help you to get to know the city better. In the possible for newcomers to settle in the city and offers practical coming months, in addition to the website, there will be a information and advice on issues like housing, health, physical point of service for face-to-face attention for talent, education, banks and payments, taxes, social rights and which will be located in the 22@ district. services, traffic and pets. You’ll also find here the information in www.barcelona.cat/internationalwelcome

LGBTI

Barcelona welcomes affective, sexual and gender diversity. The city promotes the rights of lesbians, gays, transsexuals, bisexuals and intersex people and has an important LGTBI oriented commercial and leisure infrastructure, especially in the Gaixample area. The Barcelona LGTBI Centre is the facility of reference. elona tbi.barc centrelg

BREXIT INFORMATION POINT Barcelona City Council is currently promoting this practical information point on Brexit, which will be operational at least until December BARCELONA 2020, in collaboration with the British Consulate General in INTERNATIONAL Barcelona. The aim of this COMMUNITY DAY pioneering initiative is to provide practical information and support Barcelona City Council also organizes a –through the internet, specific series of activities throughout the year information sessions and designed especially for the international personalized attention by Ajuntament de Barcelona community, including Barcelona appointment– to the British International Community Day (BICD) *, community living in Barcelona, to with the aim of helping you gain a companies and organizations in the better understanding of the city, make city that they have interests in the contacts and explore the welcoming United Kingdom, and to spirit of Barcelona. As a result of the international talent and companies coronavirus pandemic, this year’s that want to set themselves up in edition of the BICD is postponed until Barcelona as a result of Brexit. the autumn of 2021. However, an barcelona.cat/brexit-info alternative meet-up event is planned for October 2020 with a new format designed to maintain the spirit of the event and help you to do some networking. The event, which will feature international talent, will promote

www.barcelona.cat/internationalcommunityday www.barcelona.cat/internationalcommunityday networking via streaming and may also feature a virtual fair to learn about the experience of a number of companies that have set up operations in the city.

*The celebration of this event will be subject Laura Soriano to permission from the health authorities.

62 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 STUDENTS

University. Take advantage of the extracurricular activities on offer at your university. Being a student is so much

Getty more than attending class.

Associations. Inside and outside the university. For example, associations of entrepreneurs or the European GET Chambers of Commerce. Some have a section for young professionals.

Social Networks. LinkedIn can be a INVOLVED good tool to start connecting with teachers who are in more direct contact Setting up a new life in a new city inevitably with the business world. involves a number of changes: adapting to a different culture and getting used to new habits, and perhaps an unknown language, getting to know the place where you’re living and your new PROFESSIONALS study or work environment and, of course making new friends. Indeed, a key factor in this experience Coworking Spaces. Some especially will be your new network of colleagues, friends and active coworking spaces schedule acquaintances. But how can you reach out to professional and leisure oriented afterwork activities that are open to people? Here, Rosaura Alastruey, an expert in everyone. professional networking, offers you some tips on how to get involved in your new surroundings, Barcelona Activa. In addition to regardless of what has brought you here. courses, this organization has its own programme of trend and networking- oriented activities. www.barcelonactiva.cat

THINGS YOU HAVE IN COMMON ACCIÓ. The Generalitat’s Agency for Business Competitiveness publishes a To get started, and to make things easier for yourself, very useful newsletter that you can you can start to network in an environment in which subscribe to. www.accio.gencat.cat you already feel comfortable. Look out for associations and places where your compatriots or people with whom you share hobbies like to hang out. It’s a good starting point for meeting new people. EVERYONE

AUTOMATE YOUR AGENDA Eventbrite. An event management website that gives you the option of The range of networking opportunities is so extensive searching for networking activities held that if you tried them all you wouldn’t have time for in your city. www.eventbrite.es anything else. Filter the data your gather, create an agenda and, above all, try to automate it. Take Meetup. A platform that allows you to advantage of digital tools to subscribe to what join or create groups based on your interests you the most. interests. You’re sure to find what you’re looking for here. www.meetup.com LIVE THE EXPERIENCE Voluntary Work. Volunteering gives When you choose the event you want to attend, go for you the opportunity to get to know the it! Don’t ask around about it. Live the experience and place where you live from a different spend time on it yourself. If you want to expand your perspective, while creating networks social circle, go with the desire to meet people and and showing solidarity. socialize after the talk or activity in question. voluntaris.cat

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 63 CULTURE AND LEISURE

PRIMAVERA SOUND 2 to 6 June 2021 Barcelona What began at Poble Espanyol as a simple one-day musical get-together is now a major international music festival. On offer are five days of live music FESTIVALS at Parc del Fòrum, with performances in many styles that attract over 220,000 festival goers. Try it, you’re MUSIC sure to be back. www.primaverasound.com In Barcelona, you’ll find all kinds of Cristina Calderer Pere Virgili musical events, from classical to more SÓNAR BARCELONA eclectic styles. It’s a frequent stop for 17 to 19 June 2021 Barcelona For more than 25 years, international and local artists on tour and Barcelona has been a showcase for the latest trends the chosen site for some of the world’s in electronic and dance music. top music festivals. This cultural event fills the city with advanced musical styles for three days with the Sonar Francesc Melcion by Day and Sonar by Night THE LICEU sections. In parallel, Sonar+D is OPERA HOUSE an international congress that Barcelona’s main opera house seeks to explore new futures was first opened on the through creativity. Ramblas in 1847. It was rebuilt sonar.es following a fire in 1994, when it was enlarged and the stage Manolo García was renovated. Every year it CRUÏLLA FESTIVAL offers a programme with July / Barcelona some 40 productions, Musically eclectic, this festival including concerts and offers a hard-to-resist line-up

CLASSICAL MUSIC CLASSICAL recitals, dance performances, which reflects its values: and especially opera. If you’re diversity, equality, quality and under 35 years of age, take innovation. Some 25,000 advantage of the special festival goers crowd the five Under35 rate. stages scattered around the www.liceubarcelona.cat Parc del Fòrum, which also sees a performance by the Manolo García Fura dels Baus, one of the L’AUDITORI most important drama groups This concert hall was on the Catalan scene. designed by the architect www.cruillabarcelona.com Rafael Moneo in 1999 and hosts concerts by symphony Pere Virgili orchestras, as well as JARDINS DE performances in genres like PEDRALBES FESTIVAL experimental music, ancient June and July / Barcelona music and jazz and activities The winner of a Fest award for for schoolchildren and the best festival in Spain in 2019 families. It is also the is back again for another year. headquarters of the Barcelona The charms of its regal outdoor Symphony Orchestra and setting contribute to making National Orchestra of the festival an authentic Catalonia, the Barcelona pleasure to attend. At 7.30, a Municipal Band and the couple of hours before the Superior School of Music of scheduled concerts begin, the Catalonia, as well as being village will open. This is a place home to the city’s music to eat and dance to live music museum. by emerging musical talents. www.auditori.cat www.festivalpedralbes.com

64 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 ‘MORNING STAR’ BY JOAN MIRÓ

JOAN MIRÓ FOUNDATION Located in a building designed by Josep Lluís Sert, one of the renovators of Catalan architectural culture, you’ll find this and 14,000 other works by Joan Miró, one of the most influential 20th century artists. The foundation came into being with the aim of ART creating a centre of international renown for Miró’s work. www.fmirobcn.org

THE APSE OF SANT CLIMENT DE TAÜLL

MNAC You can see this apse, which is considered to be a masterpiece of European Romanesque art, at the National Art Museum of Catalonia, which is located in the de Montjuïc, from where you have spectacular views of Barcelona. The collection also includes examples of Gothic art, works by great European painters of the Renaissance Pere Virgili Fundació Joan Miró and Baroque, some of the most representative artists of the Catalan Modernist movement and a collection of photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries. www.museunacional.cat

Macba ‘FESTIVE HAIRDO’ BY JOAN BROSSA

MACBA

Dani Ríos One of the many visual poems by Brossa that you’ll

Museu Picasso find in MACBA’s permanent collection, alongside ‘THE WORLD IS BORN works by Catalan, Spanish and international artists. WITH EVERY KISS’ ‘HARLEQUIN’ Although you can find works dating from the 1920s This photographic mural by BY PABLO PICASSO onwards at the museum, the main focus is on the the artist Joan Fontcuberta in period from the 1960s until now. www.macba.cat Plaça Isidre Nonell was created PICASSO MUSEUM in collaboration with Ceràmica This oil painting, which Picasso Cumella. The kiss is made up painted in Barcelona, is one of of over 4,000 photographs the most outstanding pieces in taken by citizens depicting the museum, which has a “moments of freedom.” comprehensive permanent collection of works from his formative years and an important collection of his engravings. The museum’s temporary exhibitions can also Dani Ríos help you to deepen your SPACE INVADERS knowledge regarding this The invasion of these small Malaga-born artist. ceramic mosaics by the

Cristina Calderer www.museupicasso.bcn.cat French artist Invader has also reached Barcelona. Hunt them ‘TOGETHER WE CAN STOP AIDS’ down! There are a dozen In Plaça dels Àngels, in the Raval, right next to the Macba, you’ll find a reproduction of outdoor strategically placed on the mural that the American artist Keith Haring painted in Plaça Salvador Seguí in 1989. different facades in the city.

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 65 MERCAT DE LES FLORS Known as the House of Dance, SCENIC ARTS the theatre is set in the Noucentista Palau de l’Agricultura, on the hillside of Montjuïc. Devoted to dance and movement arts, they offer

CLASSICAL different itineraries that help you to take advantage of their extensive programme. mercatflors.cat Dani Ríos

ALTERNATIVE TEATRE BIBLIOTECA DE CATALUNYA Catalonia’s national library, which is located in a magnificent Gothic style building, has ceded part of its FESTIVALS facilities to the scenic arts in the

Santi Iglesias shape of La Perla 29, where you

Pere Virgili can catch classical productions TÀRREGA SCENIC and explore the latest SALA BECKETT ARTS MARKET languages and voices in the Also known as the 9 and 10 September / Tàrrega field. www.laperla29.cat International Theatrical Arts This International Performing Workshop, Sala Beckett has Arts Market, which focuses on been located in the Poblenou street arts, has been a TEATRE NACIONAL district since 2016. Be sure to benchmark for professionals DE CATALUNYA head there if you want to and the general public for Since 1996, explore the cutting edge in almost 40 years. Due to the this neoclassical-style contemporary Catalan Covid-19 epidemic, the 2020 building has been a public drama.www.salabeckett.cat edition will focus on online theatre that aims to promote meetings for professionals in and foster the country’s cultural the sector. heritage through classical, www.firatarrega.cat contemporary and dance productions. Be sure to check out the TNC Petit programme for kids. www.tnc.cat David Borrat David Manolo García TEMPORADA ALTA October to December

Sala Flayhard Girona and Salt With two locations, one in Considered to be the best Gràcia, where the theatre was SALA FLYHARD autumn festival in its sector in originally founded in 1976, and A contemporary Catalan southern Europe, this is a another at Montjuïc, Teatre theatre located in Sants that showcase for the performing Lliure features productions by may be small but comes highly arts, featuring the best in both tried and tested recommended. The plays are Catalan and international performers and up and mostly their own productions, scenic arts. Its broad coming talent. If you’re under and some of them have gone and varied programme allows 30 years of age, join the on to become the biggest hits you to explore all Generació Lliure and you’ll be of the season in Barcelona. the current trends. able to get tickets for only €9. www.salaflyhard.com temporada-alta.com www.teatrelliure.com

66 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 UNDUBBED FESTIVALS

FILMOTECA DE CATALUNYA FIRE!! Occupying a new location in the Raval district June / Barcelona since 2012, this film archive has two screening Catalonia’s first LGBT-themed film festival is rooms, exhibition spaces, a film library, a now 25 years old and still going strong, offering bar-restaurant and a bookshop. If you plan feature films, short films, documentaries, the to be a frequent visitor, be sure to check Trans Screen section, the East of Eden cycle in out the season tickets. collaboration with Casa Asia and morning filmoteca.cat sessions for school students. Two weeks of on-screen fiction and reality addressing affective diversity. MALDÀ mostrafire.com Film marathons of undubbed productions at a cinema that styles itself as a place for movie buffs. For the price of a ticket, costing €6 on SALA MONTJUÏC weekdays, you can see all the films screened July and August / Barcelona that day, normally four or five, from the early An open-air film cycle that screens old and new afternoon till 9pm. www.cinemamalda.com feature films two days a week, with live music to warm things up. The location? Santa Eulàlia moat at Montjuïc Castle, where you can take your own PHENOMENA EXPERIENCE picnic hamper and a lawn chair or rent sun Beginning back in 2010, playing with the loungers and buy something from the food concept of a return to the age of neighbourhood trucks that are set up there. cinemas with their double sessions, it now has www.salamontjuic.org one of the largest screens in the country, showing everything from classics and premieres to blockbusters and unreleased productions. SITGES FILM FESTIVAL www.phenomena-experience.com 8 to 18 October / Sitges* This is the world’s first fantasy film festival, a meeting place for professionals and an essential event for fans of the genre. In addition to the programme of premieres, with over 200 films, there are plenty of parallel activities, such as open air short film screenings, the Sitges Bacanal –a gastronomic activity that reinterprets the leitmotif of the current edition, and the Zombie Walk, a terrifying experience you’ll never forget. sitgesfilmfestival.com

MY FIRST FESTIVAL 14 to 29 November / Barcelona* For the last 12 years, this International Film Festival for boys and girls aged between 2 and 12 has been screening a diverse and creative selection of films from all over the world and from different time periods. It’s an opportunity for kids and families to explore productions that don’t always make it to the commercial circuit. elmeuprimerfestival.com

*The celebration of this year’s edition will be subject FILM to permission from the health authorities.

2020/21 Talent Guide | ara.cat | 67 NIGHTLIFE VILA DE GRÀCIA This cluster of small streets and squares, where a bohemian atmosphere reigns, is full of life AREAS during the day but really comes awake at night, with bars and GAIXAMPLE restaurants on every corner. If On the left-hand side of the Eixample –in the area you want to hear poetry or live delimited by Balmes, Gran Via, Urgell and Aragó– music, head for Heliogabal or you’ll find all kinds of venues, shops, bars and Cara B, or to L’Entresòl where VENUES restaurants catering to the LGTBI community, they’re specialists in gin and though without excluding anyone else. You can tonics, while disco music and SALA APOLO have a drink on the terrace of the Hotel Axel –the karaoke are on offer at One of the oldest dance first in the city for gay and lesbian customers– or Almodobar… But the best halls in Europe, and one party at one of the most iconic establishments, thing you can do is explore that is still a world such as the Arena Group nightclubs. it for yourself. reference, though now as a nightclub and concert hall which also hosts other cultural events. Guaranteed fun and good music, especially in indie, electronic and other styles. Vila de Gràcia www.sala-apolo.com

SALA RAZZMATAZZ The city’s most iconic club, with daily action in five different spaces, including concerts, DJ sessions and Gaixample themed parties. In the last 20 years, some of the best local and international pop, rock and electronic Sant Antoni music artists have played here. www.salarazzmatazz.com

SIDECAR For more than 35 years, this small venue in Plaça Reial has been a showcase for many of the city’s creative trends. There’s a bar at the entrance and a concert hall in the basement. The programme here features concerts, DJ sessions, SANT ANTONI exhibitions, talks, film In recent years, this has become one screenings, celebrations of the most fashionable and good cocktails. Take neighbourhoods in Barcelona: on advantage of the outside Carrer Parlament –one of the main seating in summer. thoroughfares– you’ll find some of the sidecar.es coolest bars and restaurants in the city. Here the action kicks off around mid-morning with vermouth and 68 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 finishes past midnight. for you tobuy. ceramics orjewels tocreate uniquepieces twenty working artisans withglass,leather, In thePoble Espanyol area there are about andhandmadeshoes. clothes accessories, inspiredceramics, gifts by Barcelona, shops, sellingjewellery, espadrilles, Almost every neighbourhoodhasitsartisan ARTISAN SHOPS SHOPPING shopping withdiscountsuntil midnight. filled withmusic, gastronomy, culture and Night ofPasseig deGràcia, theavenue is international brands. InDecember, withthe by andthemostexclusive localdesigners great for shopping. Here you’ll findpieces the architecture iswonderful, but it’s also Strolling alongthisavenue in andtaking PASSEIG DEGRÀCIA b b marketsgalleries, andstreet fairs. showrooms, craft workshops, workshops,design private of whichthere are 24 inthecity, shoppingareas,old establishments, international firms,unique, centuries- high street outletsofnationaland neighbourhood shopsandmalls,the diversity isthekey. Here you’ll find experience initself-onewhich shoppinginBarcelonaGoing isan EXPERIENCES a r c e l o n a s h o p p i n g

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SHOPPING AREAS MARKETS and street fairs campaigns, fashion shows routes, promotional the area, includingtapas many initiatives thatliven up andthe establishments amazed by thediversity of souvenir shops.You’ll be of theSagrada Familia and much more thantheTemple This neighbourhoodis SAGRADA FAMÍLIA you’ll findithere. specific, rest assured that looking for something shop openinghours. Ifyou’re district. It’s always busy during thoroughfare intheSants Europe andthemain shoppingstreetThe longest in CARRER DESANTS Pere Tordera

Dani Ríos Getty too! themed editions family workshops andfood trucks -and 9pm -withexhibitors, live music, Saturdays andSundays from 11am to the first weekend month- ofeach andcraftmarketThis design isheldon PALO MARKETFEST www.agrupament.cat Meridiana –Parc delaRecerca Creativa. August from 10amto2pmatCanòdrom Sunday ofevery monthexcept for soldiers onthefirst anddollshouses of cars, trains, boats,lead planes, market for you! You’ll findscalemodels If you’re afan ofmodelling,thisisthe MASADAS MARKET 9.30am. Wednesdays andFridays from 8to auctions thattake placeonMondays, hand objects.Don’t missthepublic can findallkindsofnew, oldandsecond- centennial outdoormarket, where you They say thatnoday isthesameatthis ENCANTS VELLS www.palomarketfest.com 2020/21 Talent Guide www.encantsbarcelona.com

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FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

USING UP LEFTOVERS TRINXAT This is a high-calorie winter dish that’s typical of La –a kind of bubble and squeak made of TRADITIONAL CUISINE cabbage, potatoes and bacon. It was originally a Catalan cuisine is based on the Mediterranean diet. It’s a dinner dish made using the day’s leftovers. If you want cuisine in which the territory is ever present, and the to find out more, head for Puigcerdà at the end of variety of products used is a reflection of Catalonia’s February for the Trinxat geographical richness. The result is the accumulated Festival.

influence of the different civilizations that have settled CANNELLONI here throughout history. Also typical is the use of leftover A classic on Boxing Day ingredients in ingenious combinations and sauces that are (26 December) that takes advantage of leftover meat ideal for dunking bread in, made using both elaborate and from Christmas Day, combining it with pasta and simple techniques. Dive in, you’ll never get to the end of it! béchamel sauce. The traditional ones are made of meat, but they can also be made of fish and vegetables.

TERRITORY PATIENCE INFLUENCES TWO SAUCES SURF AND TURF XUP-XUP BREAD SMEARED ALLIOLI Chicken served with prawns, Many Catalan recipes WITH TOMATO A thick, garlicky sauce that squid stuffed with meat, require patience and slow is used to accompany many meatballs mixed with cooking –the Catalans use Pa amb tomàquet is one of the meat dishes, especially cuttlefish, mixed paella, cod the onomatopoeic word most distinctive elements of grilled meat. Traditionally served with sausage, pigs’ xup-xup for this type of Catalan cuisine, but without the made just with garlic, oil trotters and prawns, duck cooking. But the results tend tomato that came from and a pinch of salt. and prawns… All of these are to be worth waiting for –veal America, it would be impossible dishes in which the flavours fricandó with mushrooms, to smear the bread with a

of the sea are combined roast chicken, beef stew, halved ripe tomato, and then XATÓ with vegetables and meat, a escudella and carn d’olla, season it with olive oil and salt. Although each village has reflection of the richness stewed broad beans and its own version, xató is and variety of the territory pigs’ trotters with snails are CATALAN STYLE SPINACH typical of the and the served up on a dish. just some examples. This mixture of spinach with Penedès regions and is used raisins and pine nuts, which is to add a rich spiciness to a typical throughout the country, salad of endives, anchovies, is a legacy of Arabic cuisine. tuna and salted cod. A simple and healthy recipe that already existed in medieval times.

70 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 Dani Ríos COCINA MICHELIN-STARRED HERMANOS TORRES CUISINE This initiative by chefs Javier and Sergio Torres will Catalan cuisine is synonymous with give you access to a new culinary experience. At this prestige. Catalan chefs of both sexes have old tyre warehouse that has been converted into a revolutionized the culinary art and, making kitchen with a restaurant, a firm commitment to quality produce the customer is the main protagonist and can view and creative freedom, have managed to the preparation of the dishes from close up. appear at the top of the international Tasting menu from €155. rankings. Barcelona is the city in Spain C/ del Taquígraf Serra, 20 cocinahermanostorres.com with the most stars in the Michelin Guide. If you think that it’s all too expensive for you, be on the lookout for special events like the Passeig de Gourmets, a food festival that brings elite cuisine within the reach of all budgets.

David Borrat

Francesc Melcion

David Borrat

MOMENTS EL CELLER DE LES COLS CAN ROCA Raül Balam Ruscalleda and Fina Puigdevall and the new Carme Ruscalleda serve up According to Restaurant generation of the Puigvert Catalan dishes with a Magazine this restaurant is Puigdevall family are modern twist here. Each one of the Best of the Best in Jordi Roviralta committed to local season they focus on a the world. For over 30 years, products, creating different tasting menu - the Roca brothers, Joan, DISFRUTAR sustainable, seasonal they have already offered Josep and Jordi, head chef, cuisine in a unique building, menus inspired by film sommelier and head of The restaurant team, which was awarded the classics, world travel and desserts, respectively, have consisting of Oriol Castro, prestigious Pritzker Prize for opera. The latest, which is been serving creative, free- Eduard Xatruch and Mateu architecture in 2017. On inspired by traditional tales, style haute cuisine here. Casañas, claim that their Thursdays you can have is yours to be sampled from Tasting menu from €190. goal is to please, surprise, lunch for €25. Tasting menu €150. C/ Can Sunyer, 48 Girona excite and create, and their from €165. Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40 cellercanroca.com success is backed up by Ctra. de la Canya, s/n Olot www.mandarinoriental.es two Michelin stars. Tasting lescols.com menus start at €155. C/ Villarroel, 163 www.disfrutarbarcelona.com

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INFORMAL TIMETABLES Things usually get moving around 9am, we have lunch at 2pm and CUISINE dinner at or after 9pm. Prime time starts at 10pm, and people often go out Obviously we all like to eat, to pubs after midnight and to nightclubs after 2am. Reforms to timetables are and to eat well, but meals expected to be implemented in 2025, when opening hours should become don’t always have to be more European. formal. Standing up or www.reformahoraria.cat sitting down, and preferably in good company, we all like to try an aperitif –a little something to whet one’s appetite–, we like to eat hot and cold tapas and share dishes with more generous portions. Get ready to enjoy yourself!

BOMBA PATATES BRAVES ESCALIVADA It looks like a big round Perhaps it’s their very The Catalan verb escalivar, croquette, but inside you’ll simplicity that makes them means to roast directly find potatoes and meat so irresistible. But it’s over a wood fire, but the covered in or accompanied important for the potatoes ESQUEIXADA aubergine, red pepper and by two sauces. It was first to be well cooked –they’re onions used in this dish can conceived in 1955 by usually parboiled and then This cold salad is a simple also be baked in the oven. Maria Pla at the restaurant fried– but what makes the dish consisting of raw, After roasting, they’re La Cova Fumada in real difference is the sauce desalted, chopped cod, peeled and served in strips. Barceloneta. That, at least, they’re served with. tomatos, spring onions and is the original formula, but black olives, seasoned with you’ll find that many bars COD FRITTERS olive oil, vinegar and salt. have their own versions. When mixed with white In Catalonia, cod fritters are beans it becomes a dish a gastronomic delicacy called empedrat. made of cod, flour, milk and eggs as the basic ingredients, which are then shaped into irregular balls for extra crispiness and fried.

72 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 @mercatsBCN

@mercatsbarcelona Barcelona has a network of 43 Mercat de Sant Antoni, and at the flower municipal markets, including 39 food stalls on the Rambla– you’ll find clothes, and 4 non-food markets, at 40 locations accessories, antiques, flowers and @mercatsBCN scattered around the city. Every day, plants, and second hand books, among from Monday to Saturday, you can go other items. to your local market and look around at the fresh and healthy produce on offer, In addition, while shopping you can ask questions and get advice about enjoy the architectural beauty of the what’s in season. You also have the markets and their renovated facilities, option of shopping online and having it sharpen your skills in gastronomy classes delivered to your home. and have fun with the activities on offer.

But markets are about more than food: Take care of yourself, mix with the locals at the outdoor stalls surrounding the and get integrated in your markets and at the four special non-food neighbourhood through your local markets –Encants-Firade Bellcaire, market. Find it on the map, you’re sure to Encants del Mercat de Sant Antoni, the have one nearby! Sunday book market, which is also at ajuntament.barcelona.cat/mercats VERMOUTH This herbal liqueur is made using more than 50 ingredients, including wine, absinthe and other bitter and tonic spices. At the Vermouth Museum, you’ll find the most complete collection in the world related to liquors. C/ Vallroquetes, 7, Reus www.museudelvermut.com

DRINKS The drink with which we accompany meals is often as important as what’s on the plate. Catalonia is a wine tourism destination that is home to other beverages that emerge from ancient traditions, as RATAFIA well as some adventurous creations and unique Ratafia is one of Catalonia’s most traditional drinks. It’s made of medicinal plants and spices concoctions. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to that are macerated in spirits for about forty get to know the culture and heritage of the country days. The ratafia tasting season begins with the Ratafia Festival in Santa Coloma de Farners. in a way which, above all, will make your life happier. www.ratafia.cat

WINE ANÍS BEER CAVA CACAOLAT

Catalans have been DEL MONO Estrella Damm and Cava is a sparkling The world’s first making wine for over This digestive liqueur Moritz are the beers wine that can only be industrially made 2,500 years. With has been made in with the closest links made in the Cava cocoa shake was twelve DOP regions, Badalona for 150 to Barcelona. If you DOP region, which invented in 1933 at we have wines for all years. Don’t miss the visit the Old Estrella includes 69 towns. It Granja Viader tastes: red, rosé, label, which features Damm Factory, which was first made in (C/ Xuclà, 4-6) in white, sparkling, a monkey with now hosts concerts Sant Sadurní d’, Barcelona, which is sweet, rancid… Wine Darwin’s face. In and festivals, you can the capital of cava, in still in business today. tourism is an addition, the bottle explore the history of 1872, and total In addition to the opportunity to get to can be turned into a the brand. At the production in the original smoothie, know and enjoy musical instrument. Moritz Factory, which region now totals they have other Catalonia’s territory, And, above all, visit was reopened in some 240 million versions, including history and culture. the Catalan-modernist 2011, you have bottles. lactose-free, no incavi.gencat.cat style factory, which is gastronomy, leisure www.docava.es added sugar, with a real gem. and culture. Discover coffee, with more www.anisdelmono.es craft beer producers milk and vegetarian at the Guild of Craft varieties. and Natural Beer www.cacaolat.es Producers website. www.gecan.info

74 | ara.cat | Talent Guide 2020/21 SWEET TREATS Desserts are an important part of a meal, and Catalonia has a wealth of desserts and pastries, often tied to specific feast days and holidays, together with sweet treats that can be enjoyed at any time.

TORTELL DE REIS Typically eaten for Epiphany (6 January), this circular cake is covered in candied fruit and sugar and stuffed with marzipan or cream. It holds two hidden secrets: a XUIXO dried bean –if you find it First seen in Girona in the you have to pay for the 1920s, this fried cylindrical cake– and the figure of a doughnut-like sweet is filled king –in which case you’ll with cream and sprinkled be crowned king yourself. with sugar. It’s a teatime favourite.

CREMA BUNYOLS NEULES LA MONA Originally made for Saint These sugary, round These light, crunchy, Traditionally eaten on Joseph’s Day, a time of the doughnut-like sweets were tubular treats date from Easter Monday and given as year when hens are traditionally eaten 40 days the Middle Ages. There a gift by godparents to their particularly productive, this before Easter for Lent. A are several varieties, some godchildren, what started creme brûlée type dessert special variety known as with chocolate toppings out as a simple sponge can now be eaten all year bunyols de vent are made and nougat fillings. They cake covered in hard-boiled round. It’s usually served in with a looser dough and are usually eaten at eggs has now become a a clay dish with burnt sugar can be stuffed with cream Christmas but can now be rich cake covered in on top. or chocolate truffle. found all year round and chocolate eggs or are often served with ice imaginatively decorated cream, sorbets, crema or with figures that are true cream. works of art.

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