We are crowdfunding
To establish The Rural School of Arts & The People’s Forest.
A holistic and healing place on 24 hectares of wild land in central Portugal, driven by creativity, community, and collective guardianship. A legacy for generations to come.
We would like to create an exemplary school for the hand, land and heart inspired by Black Mountain College, an interdisciplinary arts school based in North Carolina 1933–1957.
The school will weave into one distinct place; land based learning in arts, design and healing.
Situated between two villages where ancient agricultural practices and rituals are still alive.
The school will offer a unique circular model of being from soil to soul, the creativity we need as we face the reality of a changing world. Creating a bridge between the UK, Portugal and beyond.
The vision will create a living example of what’s possible if we come together in relationship with the land in circular systems. Creating nourishment, abundance and creativity.
Who we are
We are a collective of artists, designers and storytellers with a shared vision; to promote and celebrate vital landscapes where people as nature thrive. In deep relationship with the elemental wisdom, stories and crafts of the land.
We are here because we fell in love with the land in the valley of the Gardunha mountains for its diversity of nature, dark skies and enchantment. The perfect home for this vision.