Overview
Ras de Terra is a multidisciplinary cultural space and residency center located in La Vera, a rural region in Extremadura, Spain (approximately two hours from Madrid). Operating out of a repurposed historic venue featuring “El Secadero,” Ras de Terra was established to bridge contemporary artistic practice with landscape, rural territories, and local heritage. The independent platform hosts international artist residencies, public workshops, thematic seminars, corporate retreats, and large-scale open-air cultural productions such as The Vera Opera.
Objectives
Ras de Terra aims to foster artistic research, cultural exchange, and critical dialogue between contemporary creators, technological practices, and rural communities. Seeking to counteract urban isolation and sterile corporate/artistic environments, the space promotes themes such as ecology, posthumanism, degrowth, and territory. Through its Impulsa rdt collaborative support network, the organization strives to revitalize rural territories, democratize access to high-level culture, and provide creators with time, space, and authentic connections.
Programs / Opportunities
- Summer Artist Residency Program: Self-funded, flexible short- to medium-term residencies (1 week to 1 month) offering accommodations, fully equipped modular studio spaces, musical instruments (pianos, guitars), AV equipment (projectors, screens, audio speakers, printers), basic pantry staples, mentoring, and culminating open studio showcases.
- El Secadero Space Rental & Creative Retreats: Rental of professional, natural workspaces for companies, institutions, and creative teams seeking off-site brainstorming, retreats, and production sessions.
- The Vera Opera & Public Cultural Programming: An annual, open-air classical opera festival held in a 15th-century village square featuring international orchestras and vocalists, alongside year-round workshops, lectures, and exhibitions.
- Impulsa rdt Patronage Network: A collaborative sponsorship program enabling individual donors, foundations, brands, and public institutions to fund residencies, educational youth workshops, rural stagings, and sustainable infrastructure.
Target Community
- Multidisciplinary Artists & Performers: International visual artists, dancers, musicians, singers, writers, craftspeople, and interdisciplinary researchers seeking creative focus and process renewal.
- Corporate & Institutional Partners: Brands, foundations, public institutions, and corporate teams utilizing the space for CSR initiatives, strategic retreats, or cultural sponsorship.
- Rural Community & Regional Public: Local residents of La Vera/Extremadura, regional public school students, opera enthusiasts, and national visitors engaging with rural cultural programming.
