The second wave of 18 architects, planners and artists are currently hunting out their summer clothes as part of their preparation for a 13-week placement in Seville. Each participant will spend time with a host organisation undertaking a project for them, and at the same time investigate an area of interest to them related to ‘sustainable communities’.

The transnational programme funded by the European Union’s Leonardo da Vinci Lifelong Learning Programme, was designed with our Seville partners Europarx (www.europarx.com) to involve individuals wishing to develop their knowledge and understanding of sustainable design and the built environment from a wider European viewpoint . True to our mission, we also want participants to explore how the ‘arts’ within different cultures can inform and effect the development of public spaces and the wider public realm.

In preparation for the trip Beam invited all participants and our Spanish partner to an intensive workshop before Christmas, that provided language and cultural support and well as debating some of the current issues relating to climate change and the role of the arts and culture in shaping our communities. Participants also heard first hand from two of those who had spent the autumn in Seville as part of the first wave of participants. And of course there was tapas to enjoy!

As the second wave of placements progress and the first group reflect upon their experiences we will add more information to our website - keep an eye on the Orange & Green Blog for the latest updates.