Studio Asylum

Source: kudmreza.org

Studio Asylum is located in Ljubljana, it is a part of Autonomous Cultural Centre Metelkova mesto, housed in the building Hlev/Stable, which has kept the name from the time of the barracks. It hosts artists and authors who come here for a work visit within the Artist-in-Residence project. It was launched in 2006 when the Art Središče / Art Centre team was looking for a temporary solution to be able to stay and continue their projects in Ljubljana since it had been temporarily evicted from its studio in Goričko, North Slovenia.

On the basis of an agreement with all the users of Metelkova mesto and with the help of members of KUD Mreža, they turned a part of the attic into a studio and apartment. Already then, they developed a plan to transform Studio Asylum into an artist residence after the Art Središče team would have returned to Goričko. The studio as a residence facility was established with two objectives: the first one was to connect the activities of Art Središče, which is located in a rural environment in the North East of Slovenia, to the city of Ljubljana; and secondly, to establish an accomodation and working facility for foreign artists in Metelkova mesto. This would contribute to a more open, lively and innovative atmosphere.

On longer term residencies we have hosted more than 30 artists who presented their outcomes either in the form of: an artwork, an exhibition, a concert, a performance, a lecture, a workshop, a collaboration, a specific assignment etc.

Studio Asylum residences can last up to three months. Artists are welcome throughout the year, however, the most convenient period is from spring until autumn.Staying at Asylum is based on self-management as the place is not subsidised for its maintenance. The hosted artist is invited to perform a public presentation of the project – exhibition, workshop, concert, performance etc.