On 2 April 2025, our team from Fundació Catalunya Voluntària embarked on an exciting journey to one of the most interesting places in Catalonia – Actor Space.
Dursun, Paula, Zaklina and Olha – four of us gathered in the morning to travel from bustling Barcelona to a quiet village near Vic, located among the picturesque mountains. Although the distance isn’t that far – only an hour’s drive – it’s striking how much the atmosphere changes when you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Vic and its surroundings greet visitors with fresh mountain air, green landscapes and tranquillity. This place is a real discovery for those looking for an escape from the busy rhythm of the metropolis.
The primary purpose of our visit was to meet two European Solidarity Corps volunteers, Francesca and Sonya, who have just started their six-month volunteering at Actor Space. They arrived just two days ago but have already been actively involved in the garden and are preparing to participate in theatre classes.
Actor Space goes beyond a farm or a theatre studio. It is a unique place with a deep history. The farmstead where the centre is located is called ‘Fontarnau’, which means ‘Arnau Well’. Its history dates back to Roman times, and most of the house was built in the 14th century. It is now a farmhouse that can accommodate up to 14 guests, with the main barn converted into a spacious studio space.
When we arrived, we were greeted by the family who run the creative space. Simon, an Englishman who moved to Catalonia and has been living in the village near Vic for 30 years, his wife Marian, their daughter Julia, who is responsible for working with volunteers, and Simon and Marian’s young granddaughter, a trilingual who speaks three languages fluently. Simon turned out to be an extremely interesting interlocutor. During our visit, we learnt about his broad worldview, shaped by his many travels. He shared his pro-Ukrainian stance and expressed his desire to visit Poland and Ukraine one day to see bison in their natural habitat, a dream he has cherished for a long time.
When we toured the house, we were amazed by the number of books on the shelves – most devoted to various aspects of theatre. This once again underlines the owners’ deep commitment to their work.
The peculiarity of Actor Space’s agricultural activities lies in forest gardening. Unlike traditional farming, perennial plants are cultivated here, producing crops yearly but requiring constant and intensive care. This approach reflects Actor Space’s philosophy of sustainable development.
During our stay, we had an excellent opportunity to participate in a joint cozy Calçotada with the hosts and volunteers. Local strawberries, Turkish sweets, butifarra, traditional bread with tomato pulp and olive oil were on the table. But the real discovery for us was Vic’s speciality – grilled onions. It’s not just onions, it’s ‘Calçot’. From time to time, tournaments dedicated to this onion are held here. The competitors’ task is to peel the onion from the burnt skin, dip it in the sauce and, with the head tilted back, send it into the mouth. The goal is to eat as many as possible in 45 minutes. Such competitions are held annually during the Calçotada gastronomic festival. But we were taught to eat it properly, without any fuss, taking out the soft core, which goes well with the vegetable spread. Yesterday we were new to this business. But who knows, maybe one day we’ll win the Calçotada.
Actor Space is more than a place for volunteering. It is an international theatre and film centre with a unique philosophy. As we learned, their goal is to give actors complete freedom of expression. They are convinced that acting is not only about technique, but also about freedom, trust and enjoyment of the creative process. The Actor Space team helps actors unlock their true creative potential by creating an atmosphere where they feel safe and supported. What is particularly impressive is their understanding that the actual ‘actor’s space’ is the viewer’s inner world, their imagination, emotions and innermost thoughts. This deep respect for the connection between the performer and the audience is at the heart of all their creative endeavours.
The volunteer project in which Francesca and Sonia are participating will last from 31 March to 30 September 2025 and covers a variety of activities: organic gardening, agroforestry, water management, chicken care and eco-theatre activities. The vast territory of Actor Space includes hectares of forests and meadows, ideal for walking and nature observation. This is where history, art and ecology are combined into a harmonious whole, creating a unique space for creativity, learning and personal growth. Therefore, the volunteers have enough time and space to get inspired and deepen their inner dialogue.
Our visit to the Actor Space Village is an immersion into a world where the boundaries are blurred between art and nature, past and present, theory and practice. It is a place that inspires us to rethink our attitude to the environment, creativity and civic engagement.
Most importantly, this day taught us that our volunteers have come to a nice place, surrounded by wonderful people, and feel comfortable. They will experience a different rhythm of life here, one where creativity emerges not from stimulation but from stillness, and where connection happens not through digital networks but through shared meals and collaborative work with the land.
The drive back to Barcelona carried with it a certain bittersweetness – returning to familiar comforts while leaving behind the peaceful sanctuary we had discovered. Yet we brought something valuable back with us: a reminder that sometimes, the most profound experiences happen just an hour away, in places where time moves differently and where the boundaries between art, nature, and community dissolve into something beautifully whole.
So now we are waiting for the visit of volunteers from Vic in Barcelona! We promise to make the heart of Catalonia a hospitable place for you!
