This website uses cookies to store information on your computer. Some of these cookies are used for visitor analysis, others are essential to making our site function properly and improve the user experience. By using this site, you consent to the placement of these cookies. Click Accept to consent and dismiss this message or Deny to leave this website. Read our Privacy Statement for more.
The importance of internationalisation in higher arts education is often taken for granted. Art, by its very nature, transcends borders, and all students in higher arts education inevitably engage with international perspectives and a global landscape.
Achieving internationalisation in higher arts education can take many forms: institutional cooperation, student and staff exchanges, guest lectures, international projects, and more. Experts across the board—whether educators, administrators, or management—recognise it as essential for enhancing the quality of education and research, enriching both the curriculum and students’ perspectives.
Since the 1990s, internationalisation has been embedded in governmental and institutional policies across many countries. In recent years, political agendas have increasingly shaped the internationalisation of higher education policies. This common understanding is particularly vital in the context of European initiatives such as the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the European Degree and the Erasmus+ Programme. While these are European examples, similar trends are unfolding globally, reflecting its worldwide nature. All of this is fantastic progress!
As we face political shifts that may challenge the value of international exchanges in arts and higher education, it becomes essential to reflect on one crucial question:
What is the true added value of internationalisation in higher arts education?
Photo Album
Programme
Be part of a three-day programme featuring illuminating presentations, discussions, and workshops on ‘The Added Value of Internationalisation’. Delve into the challenges and good practices surrounding equality and accessibility. Look beyond ‘the hidden curriculum’ as we move towards more collaborative approaches, which consolidate the impact of internationalisation on the higher arts education sector as whole.
We especially encourage heads of internationalisation, policymakers, leadership representatives, Erasmus+ coordinators, other staff members, and students engaged in internationalisation work in higher arts education and research to join us. Please note that availability is limited, so be quick to reserve your spot.
In-person participation
Registration fee (in-person pass): €150 (incl. two dinners, two lunches, coffee breaks, materials, event support, networking opportunities)
Deadline for registrations: 20 May 2025
Registrations are now closed.
Host institution
Founded in 1775, Escola Llotja is currently celebrating its 250th anniversary. This Catalan public institution has nurtured the talents of some of the most renowned figures in modern art and architecture, including Pablo Picasso, Antoni Gaudí and Joan Miró. Today, the school continues to maintain its rich heritage with bachelor's and master's degree design studies and fine arts workshops. It is also adopting an advanced commitment to equality and transdisciplinary internationalisation, fostering dynamic, critical and respectful learning and creativity.
For Thursday 5 June: D-Hub (Design Museum of Barcelona), Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, 38, c, Sant Martí, 08018 Barcelona Bus lines: 7, 60, 92, 192, H12 Metro: Line L1 (Red Line): get off at Glòries station Tram: Trambesòs Lines T4, T5, T6: Alight at the Glòries stop, located directly in front of the museum For Friday 6 June: Seu Llotja Sant Andreu, Carrer Pare Manyanet 40 08027 Barcelona Bus lines: 11, 26, 34, 35, 36, 40, 126, B20, B24 (Barcelona Metropolitan Transport Authority) Metro: Line 1, Fabra i Puig station (Concepción Arenal exit) - Line 5, Sagrera station - Lines 9 and 10, Onze de setembre station. Train: Sant Andreu Arenal station (Rodalies de Catalunya, RENFE)
Hotels
Participants of PIE Annual Meeting 2025 are encouraged to book their accommodation in Barcelona as soon as possible. You can find a list of recommended hotels and booking information here.
Barcelona is well connected by high-speed rail, making train travel a comfortable and eco-friendly option. The TGV and AVE high-speed trains run directly from Paris, Lyon, and Marseille to Barcelona Sants station. Other European cities, like Milan or Zurich, require a connection in France or Madrid. Within Spain, Renfe’s AVE trains efficiently link Barcelona to Madrid, Seville, and Valencia.
Several international and domestic bus companies, including FlixBus, Alsa, and Eurolines, operate routes to Barcelona. Buses from France, Portugal, and other European countries arrive at Barcelona Nord Bus Station, the city’s main hub. While bus travel takes longer, it is often the most budget-friendly and eco-friendly alternative compared to flying.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the main international gateway, offering numerous flights from major cities worldwide. Located about 12 km from the city center, it is easily accessible by Aerobús, metro (L9 Sud line), RENFE suburban trains, and taxis. For a more sustainable travel option, consider booking direct flights or choosing airlines that offer carbon offset programmes.
The main venues of the PIE Annual Meeting are accessible to guests with reduced mobility.
If you have specific accessibility needs (e.g., transport assistance, support from a staff member, or a printed programme in large print) or need assistance with event registration (including registering an assistant accompanying you), please contact us at janja.skerget@elia-artschools.org.
EDI Statement
ELIA and the host institution are dedicated to hosting events that prioritise equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We have worked together with our host Llotja Art School, to make this event a safer and more accessible space for all.
Should you have any specific accessibility needs (such as transportation assistance, support from a staff member, or a large-print programme), or if you need help registering for the event and/or registering an assistant to accompany you, please contact the ELIA Team so we can ensure this event is inclusive and accessible to you.
All our events have a support system in place. If you witness any harassment or discriminatory behaviour during the event, please contact a member of the team or call or send a message: {+31 616119665}. This phone line will be monitored for the duration of the event.
We value any feedback you may have on how inclusive and accessible you find this event. You can submit your feedback in the event evaluation report that will be disseminated after the event. Your honesty is appreciated and will help us to understand how to improve the inclusivity and accessibility of our future events. All feedback will be collected anonymously.
Ecological Responsibility
ELIA and the host institution recognise that international events can have a negative environmental impact due to travel, food consumption, and waste production. To reduce the environmental footprint of the PIE Annual Meeting, ELIA and the host institution will prioritise greener choices in the event's organisation and continue to engage participants on this important issue.
ELIA and the host institution consider sustainability a key priority, and several measures have been implemented to minimise the meeting's environmental and climate impact:
Accommodation: Most recommended accommodation options are well-connected by public transport to the event venues.
Travel: Participants are encouraged to travel to Barcelona by train, if possible. If not possible, please opt for direct flights.
Food & Drinks: Local, seasonal catering will be provided at the event, with tap water available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle.
Materials: Printed materials and giveaways will be kept to a minimum. Please let us know during the registration process if you need a printed programme due to special needs. Participants are encouraged to bring their own tote bags to carry conference materials.
Awareness: To increase awareness about environmental sustainability, our sustainable actions will be communicated to our suppliers and partners. Before, during, and after the conference, we intend to communicate and engage in dialogue with our participants to co-create a more sustainable event.
