08 Apr 2026
Art, fashion and design students from Oaklands College have returned from a study trip to Barcelona, bringing with them a wealth of research, creative inspiration and new perspectives that will directly shape their End of Year Show.
The visit formed a key part of their creative development, giving them the chance to immerse themselves in world‑class art, design and architecture while exploring one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural cities.
During the trip, students visited several major institutions, including MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art Barcelona), Moco Museum Barcelona, the Design Museum of Barcelona, and the iconic Park Güell. Each venue offered a different lens on creativity, from contemporary installations and digital art to historic design collections and Gaudí’s distinctive architectural style.
The visit was designed to broaden students’ understanding of global creative practice, expose them to new artistic influences and strengthen their ability to develop original, research‑driven work. The insights gained will feed directly into a Barcelona‑inspired End of Year Show, where students will showcase work shaped by the colours, textures, forms and cultural narratives encountered during the trip.
Natalie Sturman, course lead for fashion design and fashion business and retail at Oaklands College, said: “Experiencing art and design in a completely different cultural context helps really push our students to think more boldly and creatively. You could see their sketchbooks filling up with ideas as we moved from museum to museum. The inspiration they’ve brought home will have a real impact on the ambition and quality of their final projects.”
