L’ESCOLA DE L’ÉSSER
A Centre for Creative Self Discovery,
Natural Recovery and Social Reconnection
The School of Being is an evolving creative community, rooted in the belief that creative expression, emotional presence and social collaboration are fundamental to individual and collective well-being.
As its reason for being, the School provides a space where people from all walks of life – workers, school-goers, families, homemakers, carers, professionals – writers, designers, philosophers, teachers, leaders, artists, thinkers, makers, and local community, can learn to navigate the emotional and social challenges of modern times. A safe and inclusive place where they can teach and learn, be creative, share their stories, and simply be. Through arts, crafts, photography, performance, storytelling, language, movement and shared skill-building. All participants are encouraged to rediscover their voice, their rhythm, their purpose, and their place in community life.
Rather than focusing on the disruptive and disturbing aspects of today’s crowded virtual and physical world, the School of Being celebrates human diversity in all its forms – including neurodivergence, emotional complexity, and non-linear life paths, all as restorative aspects of a more healthy, adaptive and future-facing society.
The School welcomes those who may feel disconnected or overlooked by conventional systems, but it equally invites the broader spectrum of public life and community – those who seek meaningful connection, creative growth, and a slower, more authentic way of living and working together.
Through co-creation, shared purpose, peer support and progressive learning, the School fosters a culture of belonging – not as any therapeutic intervention, but as a living, breathing practice of being and creating together in richer, more responsive ways.
Why It Matters
In an age of fragmentation, burnout, and hyper-connectivity, spaces that nurture presence, mutual care, and creative freedom are more vital than ever. The School of Being aims to redefine community resilience by nurturing diverse voices and lived experiences, contributing to stronger social fabrics at both local and international levels. By highlighting neurodiverse perspectives, valuing emotional insight, and creating circular exchange between participants of different backgrounds, the School of Being offers a model for inclusive cultural innovation—where creativity, care and collaboration shape not just projects, but people and places.
Old School to New School Thinking
A Living Academy for Cultural Regeneration and Inclusive Community
WHAT ARE WE
The School of Being is a warm and welcoming inclusive space for everyone, but especially for people who may be feeling out of sync with themselves or the world – for whatever reason.
You may come to partisipate or volunteer, or you may feel that something’s a little challenging socialy.
You may want to help others or you may feel a little broken yourself. You’re not alone. And you don’t have to take any discomfort or disturbance all on your own shoulders.
WHO AND WHY
• Young people disorientated by stress, a little lost, or uncertain about their future
• Adults of any age moving through burnout, trauma, anxiety, sensitivity, or life changes
• The aging members of community who may feel neglected or disconnected
• Anyone who feels “on the edge” of community or self in terms of confidence or self-direction
Many people are hurting quietly to some degree. We believe wellbeing, progress, and healing all begin with safe, shared space – where expression, curiosity, and contribution matter more than fixing or analysing.
At the School of Being, we rebuild not just self confidence, but belonging.
WHAT WE OFFER
• Art & Story Workshops – express, discover, reconnect
• Multigenerational Projects – where youth and elders grow together
• AI & Digital Tools for Life – training and ethical use of technology to support creativity, communicating, story-telling, journaling, and daily organisation
• Language Circles & Conversation Tables – across ages, occupations, vocations, and cultures
• Life Skills Sessions – conversational skills, crisis skills, first aid, mentoring, affordable slow-living, volunteering, community facilitation and engagement.
• No labels, no pressure – just space to be a content and real human again.
Workshops are low-cost or donation-based. No diagnosis, no gatekeeping – just open doors.
HOW IT WORKS
Key Principles
• Everyone is hurting or healing from something or somebody.
• Many participants may not name their struggles – our role is to meet them with warmth, not questions.
• Non-pathologizing practice. We avoid clinical or diagnostic language. • We speak of energy, belonging, expression, and rediscovery – not trauma or disorders unless these are initiated by the participant.
• Invitation, not interrogation. We let creativity and connection do the work. Our facilitation is a gentle guidepost, not a spotlight.
Observing Without Assumption
We hold space for contemplation, change of life, withdrawal, overwhelm, or emotional upheaval – but don’t judge anyone.
Create a Predictable, Safe Rhythm
We begin every workshop, life lesson, or project with a grounding moment (calming centreing sound therapy or music, breathing exercises, or mindful focusing techniques). We share the flow of activities up front. We are aware that sensitivity can be a stressor.
Leaving Space for Story, but not your story is not required or judged
If someone shares a personal story, your school friends will listen with caring presence.
We are Inclusive and Multigenerational
• Our participants are here to live, not relive.
• Keeping focus on joy, creativity, choice, and contribution.
COMMUNITY REACH
Summer Schools All Year Round
Donation based, open creative sessions for all ages – no experience necessary.
Come and Go
Whether you feel inspired, stuck, curious, or just tired – this is a space to breathe, make, and connect.
• Paint, draw, collage, or write
Join a craft table or just observe
• Tea or Coffee, music sessions for the soul, make friends, lively or quiet conversation spaces
• Trained listeners available for open and on-the-spot gentle support
Who’s it for?
• People who feel burnt out, isolated, or just “off”
• Elders with stories to share or simply seeking company
• Young locals feeling uncertain or overwhelmed
• Anyone who cares and wants to do something creative without pressure
Come rediscover your spark — one brushstroke, one cup of tea, one small moment at a time.
Every Day from 11:00 – 17:00
Free or Pay-what-you-can
All materials provided as necessary
Multilingual support available
All initiatives are supported by a circular, shared-economy model in partnership with cultural, civic, and educational organisations.
THE INVITATION
By restoring people’s capacity to give, connect, and contribute – even in small and humble ways – the School of Being becomes a bridge back to a better society, with renewed self-worth, and shared humanity.
LIVE LIGHTER, BRIGHTER AND LONGER
The School of Being: a living, communal, intergenerational community for creating the human future – by learning from our human past.
SOCIAL COHESION
All activities at the school will follow the highest standards of social cohesion, which refers to the degree of which people in a society or community feel connected, united, and willing to cooperate. It’s a measure of how well a society functions as a whole, with strong bonds between individuals and groups, promoting a sense of belonging and shared values. Social cohesion is crucial for a healthy, resilient, and prosperous society, fostering trust, mutual support, and a collective orientation towards the common good.
Key aspects of social cohesion:
- Social relations: Positive interactions, trust, and mutual support among individuals and groups.
- Sense of belonging: Feeling connected to a community and identifying with its values and goals.
- Orientation towards the common good: A willingness to cooperate and work for the benefit of society as a whole.
- Shared values: Agreement on fundamental principles and norms that guide behavior and interactions.
- Social inclusion: Ensuring that all members of society have equal opportunities and are not excluded or marginalized.
- Social capital: The networks of relationships and the level of trust that exist within a society.
Why is social cohesion important?
- Resilience: Societies with strong social cohesion are better equipped to withstand crises and challenges.
- Economic prosperity: Social cohesion can foster economic growth by promoting cooperation, innovation, and a stable environment.
- Peace and stability: Social cohesion can reduce conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
- Well-being: Strong social bonds and a sense of belonging contribute to individual and collective well-being.
- Effective governance: Social cohesion can enhance trust in institutions and promote effective governance.
Factors that can affect social cohesion:
- Income inequality: Wide disparities in wealth and income can create social divisions and undermine social cohesion.
- Social exclusion: Marginalization and discrimination can lead to social isolation and resentment.
- Lack of trust: Low levels of trust in institutions and individuals can erode social bonds.
- Migration and diversity: Managing diversity and promoting integration can be challenging and require careful attention to social cohesion.
- Political polarization: Increased political divisions can exacerbate social tensions and weaken social cohesion.
Social cohesion is a dynamic concept that requires ongoing attention and effort to build and maintain. It is not simply the absence of conflict, but rather a positive and proactive approach to building a stronger, more united society.
One Page Proposal Letter
L’Escola de l’Ésser
A Regenerative Intergenerational Living and Learning Academy
The School of Being is a residential, intergenerational cultural community committed to reweaving social ecological intelligence, and creative participation across generations in response to societal, ethical and environmental disruption.
This initiative transforms suitable but neglected sites, estates, abandoned factories, warehousing, old schools or assembly halls – such as the Antiga Fàbrica de les Capses in Canet de Mar—into living creative, skill-sharing, human design theory and cultural memory .
By reactivating the roles of young adults and elders as mentors and community anchors, and also inviting the younger generations to participate in hands-on collaborative processes, the School becomes both a model of resilient living and a cradle of social imagination, skill sharing and creative curiosity.
Core Objectives:
• Restore intergenerational bonds and civic participation through long-term residency and workshops.
• Build a prototype of human-scaled culture and education, preparing for societal transitions.
• Offer public cultural programming, studio spaces, and social housing for creators and educators.
• Partner with local institutions and international networks to share learnings and practices.
Key Partners & Institutions:
Barcelona Cultura, CCCB, La Virreina, Disseny Hub, Fàbriques de Creació, La Mercè, Agenda 21 Cultura,
Cultura Popular, Apps&Cultura, educational and urban design innovators, psychological research networks,
Elder Alliances, Canet de Mar Municipality, and Diputació de Barcelona.
Aligned with: Agenda 21 Cultura, the New European Bauhaus, and the Barcelona Declaration of Cultural Rights.
Current Status:
• Concept and community vision established
• Site identified: Antiga Fàbrica de les Capses, Canet de Mar
• Seeking civic partnerships, cultural patronage, academic support, and feasibility planning collaboration
Let’s begin …
Project Lead: Greville Edwards at grev@me.com
15 Member Elder and Gen.Alpha Council:
Elder Lead – Name to come
Gen. Alpha Lead – Name to come
A General Eclectic Project with commitment to social cohesion and innovative sustainability.
L’Escola de l’Ésser is a communal, inclusive, cultural community committed to reweaving social ecological intelligence, and creative participation across generations in response to societal, ethical and environmental crises.
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