Catalan artists receive honorary doctorates from University of Barcelona

Four Catalan artists have received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Barcelona for their "talent, excellence, and international projection." 

These four creators all represent different forms of art that have been developed in Catalonia and abroad. 

One of these artists is the movie director J.A. Bayona, one of the most successful Catalan filmmakers abroad that has become a household name in Hollywood.  

Bayona studied in the first class of the Cinema and Audiovisual School of Catalonia, ESCAC, which is part of the University of Barcelona.  

"When I began at university, you could only study cinema in Barcelona. That is why I think it is really important that educational institutions like this support these kinds of studies," Bayona said during his acceptance speech. 

He also confessed to being "overwhelmed" by the distinction and hopes that his films "make the world a better place, that makes more sense." 

Multidisciplinary artist Lita Cabellut was moved by the distinction and confessed that it was "unexpected" to receive the honorary doctorate degree.  

"I think art and science have a lot in common as they aim to deepen comprehension of the world," Lita Cabellut said in her speech. 

Cabellut also thanked the university for being a "guardian of social intelligence." 

Sculptor Jaume Plensa was the third artist to receive the honorary degree, and he spoke about beauty and the "importance of seeing art in everyday life." 

"Art has to be a tool to fill communities with hope, and it is especially necessary in moments like now where there are wars, misinformation and threats to nature," Plensa said. 

The sculptor said that it was "an honor" to receive such academic distinction but that he finds it "extremely difficult to be a professor.". 

The last Catalan artist named was the actress Núria Espert, who could not attend the event due to personal circumstances. 

To receive an honorary doctorate degree is the maximum distinction that an academic institution can award someone for their achievements and trajectory, whichever the field may be. 

On this occasion, the University of Barcelona has presented this recognition to "key figures" of culture in their own field and in the history of art in Catalonia.