Poble Sec Col-lectiva

Col-lectiva 1.0

Our small exhibition Col-lectiva was born as a meeting space between artistic, design, and thought disciplines, created without depending on artificial intelligence. Very simple.

And… we are shaping a wonderful volume that gathers this experience, the space that welcomes us, and the energy of its artists, designers, creatives, and the Poble-sec neighborhood.

The edition is trilingual: English, Spanish (Spain), and Catalan.”

Updates – 2 November

We stand for cooperation and local human ingenuity, within the framework of the Poble-sec neighborhood and Barcelona. We respect both its local history and identity, as well as the creative cross-pollination and human potential that arise from the encounter between long-time residents and curious visitors.

Six artists and designers —a young furniture creator, an oil painter, a graphic artist, two interactive designers, a game designer, and a young committed filmmaker— will present the best of their work around a common theme: How we live, make, play, and tell stories without AI in difficult times.

We explore pigments, wood, fabrics, electronic circuits, iron, polymers, image, and video. How, where, and with whom we do it matters — a lot.

We exhibit conscious gestures such as using our abilities, manual creation, and the observation of social dynamics — all this as a path toward a more sustainable life and product. We present a narrative of stories that foster critical thinking through film and play; a "human" dimension —without renouncing science and technology, but making a non-speculative and non-predatory use of them—. What unites everything is the use of physical and digital tools without AI, and a commitment to valuing the human being, their craft, and their ability to imagine and interpret their surroundings.

We are active in Barcelona and in the Poble-sec neighborhood, we are teachers, workers, professors, creatives, and artisans. Each of us contributes the experience from our discipline and the commitment to deliver the best of our work to the community.

Col-lectiva arises from a network of human and professional connections that already existed in the neighborhood and have come together to give shape to a common project.

... we have lovingly invested a lot of time and effort into the Collectiva; now we need your support to keep us moving forward.

Profits will be distributed fairly and by prior agreement among the participants. To achieve this, we have designed a reward system that collectively fits the creative and technical identities, as well as the diverse worlds, of those who take part. The rewards are based on the work of the Col-lectiva participants and the hosting space. They showcase both the work in progress and the behind the scene of a human creative process (images of materials and design processes or reproductions of artworks and graphics, Rewards 1–7), as well as the final product (Rewards R8).

Community

The small exhibition, after a general test, takes place at mono30, an already active space that hosts exhibitions in collaboration with local “makers.” We want to involve both neighbors and visitors, strengthening the cultural and artisanal fabric of Poble-sec and Barcelona.

This space already welcomes art and design initiatives that reflect on the “Anthropocene” — that is, on how human activity transforms the natural world and our own lives.

What will we use the money for?

The funding will be allocated to:
. Cover part of the materials for all participants and the operation of the space.

. Create and produce the Col·lectiva volume, which will document the exhibition, the activity, the artistic community of Poble-sec, and its history.

. Produce the rewards in neighborhood workshops and businesses, supporting the local and circular economy.

. Ensure a minimum common fund dedicated to promoting and providing access to more artists, making future editions of Col·lectiva possible.

. Support the economy — 1) Local and proximity-based, by producing or crafting the rewards for all your contributions in neighborhood businesses and workshops; and 2) Regional or community-based.

We have already made a good start. But we dream that Col·lectiva will continue to grow and become a living platform that connects culture, design, territory, and local production, building bridges between creatives, the community, and the neighborhood.

About the rewards

The names Blai, Surtidor, Elkano, Margarit... If you’re not from Barcelona and you’re wondering where these names come from — check a map of Poble-sec! :-)

About how we “do it”

It takes us more effort and brings less profit, but we like to make things a bit harder for ourselves: we offer you art, design, and creations made with quality materials — local, community-based, or certified in origin. They come from processes that respect people and communities, both nearby and far away (Fair Trade). We do it by researching, documenting, and sharing that information here.

It’s true, we’re individuals — we can’t do everything perfectly, but we can do our best when choosing materials and suppliers.

• 1) Col-lectiva Volume

• 2) Printing paper

• 3) FSC

• 4) ISO 9706-2025

• 5) Fair Trade logo

• 6) No greenwashing

Details:

• 1) Col-lectiva Volume: We choose a historic and regional supplier from Barcelona (Km 0), FSC-certified (see point 3).

• 2) Printing paper: (prints, postcards, dioramas) Certified quality, high-grade Canson design paper, 200 g/m², FSC-certified (see point 3), ISO 9706 (see point 4), acid-free during production, made in the EU, OBA Free (without optical brighteners) *LINK.

• 3) FSC: FSC-certified paper (Forest Stewardship Council) guarantees a responsible origin, supported by an international network that promotes sustainable forest management. LINK

• 4) ISO 9706: What defines the quality of a product? It’s also that it is made to withstand the test of time… so it won’t need to be reprinted. LINK

• 5) FairTrade: If you’re not familiar with it, it means made with respect — for work, the land, and those who care for it. LINK

• 6) No Greenwashing: For all rewards shipped within the EU, a fixed 3% CO₂ compensation rate (minimum) is applied, used locally through donations to selected nearby organizations. —We pay this amount for you— and will provide proof of transfers at the close of the campaign. What is GW or “Greenwashing”? LINK

All these details can continue to improve! As the campaign progresses, we will keep implementing them —researching— more suppliers and —listening to— your active feedback in the comments.

Feasibility: We are already used to these minimum standards, whether it’s printing a few pages in the office, the workshop, or at schools, or analyzing a more complex production.

…And finally —always important—: Don’t be afraid to ask questions, join the comments, and share suggestions. If something isn’t clear, remember — we are people who “listen.” 🌿

SHIPPING OR HAND DELIVERY

Hand delivery (Barcelona)

Hand delivery is possible at two locations in the Poble-sec neighborhood (Barcelona). In both cases, it will —always— be necessary to —notify in advance— through the dedicated WhatsApp group. The number will be sent by email.

Pick-up points:

C. Margarit — Friday and Saturday, from 6.30pm to 8.00pm

C. de la Mare de Déu del Remei — Monday to Thursday, from 7.00pm to 8.00pm

(For privacy, the exact address numbers will only be shared by email with backers.)

(The schedules are designed to make it easy to meet, get to know each other, and share the project.)

Shipping (Spain)

Shipments are made through Correos.

Flat shipping rate: €6.00 throughout mainland Spain.

Shipping (Rest of the European Union)

For the rest of Europe, the shipping cost may vary depending on the recipient’s address.

We mainly use Correos (Sociedad Estatal de Correos y Telégrafos S.A. S.M.E.), although, if needed or preferred, another courier service suggested by backers can be considered.