Ágora, School of Experimentation, is inspired by the open space emblematic of ancient Greece, where all meetings, debates, and exchanges took place. In 2021, we set out to create our own Ágora, a place dedicated to continuous learning, dialogue, and the exchange of experimental knowledge. Guided by the principles of Learn, Create, and Share, we understand that the creation and exchange of ideas must be done hand in hand, as the learning process is enriched when there is a discussion between various views, experiences, and perspectives. We also recognize that every learning process involves repetition: experimenting, making mistakes, learning from chance, and trying again.
After five years of collaboration in organizing the Experimental Photo Festival, the International Festival of Experimental Photography in Barcelona, many participants expressed their interest in having our community stay connected throughout the year to Learn, Create, and Share. During those intense days, we fully immersed ourselves in the world of experimental photography, interacting with artists and participants from around the world, acquiring new knowledge in workshops, and exploring a diversity of ideas in conferences. After each festival, each of us took home new ideas to experiment with, which led us to ask: why not share them and continue meeting throughout the year? At that moment, Ágora was born.
Ágora emerges as a response to this concern, bringing together teachers and students of all ages from around the world in a space where exchange and creation are the driving inspiration and fundamental pillars. In our community, we promote the diversity of experiences and perspectives, to achieve learning in the field of experimental photography. Additionally, we provide a platform for artists to exhibit their works and receive constructive feedback from an international audience.
In Ágora, you not only acquire technical skills but also find the inspiration needed to explore new artistic and creative territories and achieve continuous personal and professional growth.
Mission
To provide support to our students in a collaborative learning environment, encouraging openness to new ideas and techniques in the field of experimental photography. We are targeting those interested, enthusiastic and professionals committed to the continuous development of their artistic practice, with the aim of transforming their passion into tangible success: from exhibitions and publications to greater visibility in the creative world.
Vision
Launch an international space of creative innovation that generates a transformative experience in the realm of photography. Understanding learning as a dynamic and continuous process, we dare to experiment, make mistakes, and persevere in an environment that fosters personal and artistic growth for each individual.
Values
The values that form the foundation of our school's culture and guide the actions and decisions of the team are as follows:
Community
We work towards creating an international community in wich we supports each other and shares knowledge and experiences.
Continuous Learning
We promote the idea that learning is a continuous and collective process that extends beyond specific events or workshops.
Creativity
We foster creativity and photographic experimentation, encouraging members of our community to explore new techniques and approaches.
Opening
We work to enable openess to new ideas, perspectives, and techniques, recognizing that the horizontal exchange of knowledge and experiences enriches the personal creative process.
Colaboration
We promote collaboration between community members, encouraging teamwork and the exchange of ideas to drive growth and innovation in experimental photography.
Perseverance
We value experimentation, trial and error, study, and research in the creative process. We recognize that it is in these instances that experimental discoveries take place.
A school driven by people!
Pablo Giori
@pablo.giori
With a PhD in Contemporary History, a Master's in Communication, and a Master's in Cultural Studies, I serve as co-director of the International Festival of Experimental Photography and Ágora, School of Experimentation. I blend academic knowledge with practical experience, aiming to inspire transformative change through teaching and cultural management, shaping the future of photography.
Milagros Mansilla
Art historian with a Master's degree in Cultural Management. Curiosity led me to work on artistic projects, in fashion and within the audiovisual field. For me, going out to eat is a cultural experience and meeting new people is a way to learn. Fan of the 90s, sushi and singing loudly in the street with friends.
Emma Cârnu
Hello, I'm Emma, an expert in business development and project management with over seven years of experience in educational projects and festivals. Meanwhile, I'm a full-time dog mom. Even though 24-hour days seem too short, I never say no to new opportunities, always full of energy and ready for the next big event!
Paula Mulatti
@paulamulatti
Chilean architect specializing in heritage and landscape, with a Master's in Cultural Management. Paula started in photography innocently and ended up framing her world in 35mm. She is a member of Cooperativa Atkins, a community of female photographers and alternative processes founded in Valparaíso. Paula is a pilgrim of parties and birthdays, fearful of piñatas and tough sports, a connoisseur of thresholds and corners, inevitably touched by good intentions.
Arantxa Berganzo
@arantxa.art
Arantxa studied physics and humanities but is currently a camp monitor. Equally a teacher and a mom, she bikes from one end of Barcelona to the other every day. Crazy about her family and friends, Arantxa enjoys reading, dancing, laughing, learning, and trying new things all the time. She investigates urban art and dreams of creating some herself one day, who knows...
Emiliano Covello
He completed a Master's degree in Cultural Management, a Bachelor's degree in Art Management, and is a Advanced Technician in Photographic Imaging. He founded the Terrero Rev laboratory, specializing in analog photography, where he supported artists in their projects and conducted research on the materiality of photosensitive processes. His interest is focused on contributing to the deepen of cultural democracy through photography. He tries to live by the philosophy that nothing is lost, everything transforms.
Laura Ligari
@lauraligari