In a context of growth in the animation, visual effects, and digital arts sectors, La Salle-URL has hosted Animar_BCN Animation Days, the European Animation Congress, held on December 1, 2 and 3 in Barcelona. Professionals, institutions, production companies and businesses have taken part in meetings, working groups and conferences. Over three days, La Salle Campus Barcelona has been the main meeting point for the animation sector in Europe, thus reinforcing the positioning of Barcelona and Catalonia as a strategic hub for the audiovisual industry.
The congress has celebrated its fourth edition with broad international participation and outstanding presentations. In her speech, Diana Riba, Vice-President of the Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament, stated: “We find ourselves at a moment that can shape the future of European audiovisual and culture in the coming years. The proposal of the AgoraEU programme and the review of the European Directive on audiovisual development offer us the opportunity to rethink elements of a European ecosystem that must adapt to new times and prepare for the future.” Meanwhile, ProAnimats, the Professional Association of Animation Producers, highlighted that over the last five years the ProAnimats companies have released an average of four animated feature films per year and between four and five series, both for television and digital platforms, emphasising not only the scope and quality but also the volume of production.
Presentations of Brooder Lab projects
During the congress, a pitch session was held featuring several La Salle-URL alumni who are currently developing their projects with the support of Brooder Lab, the incubator for emerging content and talent created on campus. As part of Projecta’t, the creative incubation programme of Brooder Lab that offers guidance, personalised mentoring and expert support, the projects Arnold Dupin, Baile con la muerte –preselected for the 2026 Goya Awards–, B-Side and Des del melic were presented.
Gabriel Fernández, Academic Director of the Art and Technology Degrees at La Salle-URL, highlighted that “the celebration of Animar_BCN Animation Days on campus reinforces La Salle-URL’s leadership in digital arts, animation and technology, especially in the year of the 10th anniversary of the Degree in Animation and VFX, the first university degree in animation in Catalonia. In this sense, the event consolidates our international projection and our commitment to the development of the animation and audiovisual sector in Europe.”
