ESPRONCEDA joins Time for (S) Heroes
Highlights from the Kick-off Event
ESPRONCEDA – Institute of Art & Culture, based in Barcelona, is an independent center founded in 2013 and dedicated to supporting emerging artists while fostering innovation at the intersection of art, design, and technology. Through its programs, residencies, and educational initiatives, ESPRONCEDA creates a dynamic environment where creative talent can experiment, collaborate, and develop projects within an international context.
As part of the Time for (S) Heroes project, ESPRONCEDA plays a key role in Spain, contributing its expertise in nurturing young creatives and promoting forward-thinking practices. The institute strongly aligns with the project’s mission, focused on sustainability, innovation, and empowering the next generation of designers and artists.
At ESPRONCEDA, projects are specifically designed for creatives eager to take risks and explore new approaches. Initiatives such as Nubia Labs (launched in 2023) connect artistic creation, technology, and professional development, supporting ideas from early-stage prototypes to fully developed cultural proposals ready for festivals, museums, and international platforms.
Similarly, IMMENSIVA, active since 2019, offers a space for experimentation with emerging forms of expression, particularly through XR, AI, and interactive media.
Thanks to its strong connection with the local cultural ecosystem, ESPRONCEDA fosters dialogue between organizations, universities, and independent practitioners, building bridges between local and international communities. At the same time, it continues to expand its network through new partnerships, contributing to a more diverse and resilient European creative landscape.
As part of its commitment to Time for (S) Heroes, ESPRONCEDA will host residencies in Spain during 2026–2027, offering participants a space for experimentation, collaboration, and professional growth.
(S) Kick-off Event
On March 26th, ESPRONCEDA joined the (S) Kick-off event, streamed live from Xamk University, to celebrate the launch of the open call and the digital platform. While many participants connected online, the Barcelona space also hosted an in-person gathering with creatives including Simone Garcia, Serena Budelli, Eleonora Ballario, and Pia Behmuaras, among others.
The session opened a valuable dialogue around the core themes of Time for (S) Heroes: sustainability in design, circular economy, and the evolving relationship between creativity and
emerging technologies such as AI. Participants had the opportunity to hear from leading professionals and learn from their personal journeys.
Among the speakers were Kerry Murphy, founder and CEO of The Fabricant, and Lauri Järvinen, Head of Design at Pispala Clothing, whose insights helped bring the project’s vision closer to real-world practice.
Emerging Concepts
Two distinct and compelling projects emerged:
Group 1 – Slowing Down
This project reflects on the pace of the modern world and questions how the body exists and is represented within it. The group proposed the creation of a fashion piece designed to embody these reflections—an object that encourages awareness of our role in shaping a more sustainable future. A first prototype was developed using AI tools.
Group 2 – The Ancestral Garden: Unconscious Sustainability Through Digital Design
Inspired by the everyday practices of grandparents, this project celebrates a form of “unconscious sustainability” rooted in slower, more intuitive ways of living. The concept translates this wisdom into a digital experience—such as an app or integration into life-simulation games like Animal Crossing.
The proposed “Digital Orchard” allows users to experience the ecological impact of their choices: planting decisions influence biodiversity, attract beneficial insects, and shape a living ecosystem. The project bridges traditional knowledge and digital culture, bringing sustainable values into contemporary virtual environments.
Both projects, though very different in approach, show strong potential and have been uploaded to the digital platform for further development.
Join the Open Call
The Time for (S) Heroes open call was officially launched during the Kick-off event on March 26th, 2026, and is now open to emerging creatives across Europe.
Participants are invited to register on the digital platform and submit a project still in development—just like those created during the workshop. Selected participants will gain access to free learning resources, mentoring, and capacity-building support focused on sustainability, circular practices, and digital innovation in fashion and costume design.
Following this phase, the most promising projects will be invited to the Design Wave Festival, an intensive co-creation event where participants will further develop their ideas alongside experts and peers.
Finalists will then be selected for residency programs at ESPRONCEDA (Barcelona) or Xamk (Finland), culminating in exhibitions, events, and digital showcases that connect participants with international audiences and industry leaders.
Stay tuned: timeforsheroes.eu
More information: www.espronceda.net
From the festival, only the finalists will be selected for residencies at ESPRONCEDA in Barcelona or Xamk in Finland. The residency experience culminates in exhibitions, events, and digital showcases, connecting participants with industry leaders and international audiences.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.