#SHELTER
Artists in dialogue

With a strong group of participants coming from the four cardinal points, we have given shape to a dream. A dream that began mid 2019 with an international survey seeking to bring artistic communities together during the pandemic. While we were trying to understand how to continue doing residencies when their particularity, the place where the artist temporarily resides, is not available. Attempting to rethink the format of artistic residencies programs –in a world in which airports are closed and most of us are forced to stay at home- we realized that ´ace had to concentrate its support in the international artistic community, rather than developing other traditional residencies format.

Today, our vision has been shared by participants from different parts of the world including North and South America; Europe; Middle East and Australia. Together Apart: #Shelter (English cohort) is outlined by the participation of 22 women whose expertise embrace a wide range of artistic practices and disciplines: fine arts (including drawing, printmaking, painting and sculpture); installations; photography; video; sound; fashion and textile design; graphic design; performance; dance and choreography; philosophy of art; communication and writing. We couldn’t be more pleased with this amazing group of women creators campers and we give all of them our warmest welcome.

A special mention, among all of them, to four ´ace alumni: Aneikit Bonnel, Gina Kukulski and Jill AnnieMargeret from the USA and Dolores (Loli) Delia, who is Argentinian but is now living in Australia. These four artist made in-house residencies in 2014, 2017 and 2018, which confirms the bonds that ´ace develops with their residents and the construction of an international affectionate and professional network.

Between all the participants’ locations there are more than 6 time zones. Moreover, Loli is literally in the future, since cohort meetings happened on Wednesdays afternoon, which menas that for Loli it is already Thursday dawn in Australia. Definitely, time was one of our research themes related with shelter.

ABOUT THE GENERAL THEME: SHELTER

Shelter surrounds each and every individual on the planet. Along with the need to eat and drink, it is one of the only truly universal needs of every human being on the planet. Simply by recognizing this fact, the world becomes instantly more connected. The word SHELTER is a synonym for asylum, reception, protection, haven, help, relief… but it also means a suitable place to take cover, which provides physical protection from weather elements, natural disasters and/or other large-scale threats/dangers or simply a place to hide away and have privacy.  Shelter is both, a feeling and a physical space. A shelter can also be a mental space; the arms of the mother, father or loved one; a corner of our house or workshop where we feel especially welcomed; the uterus that shelters and nourishes the baby; a moment of silence to meditate; a hobby that takes us out of our daily routine… A shelter can have as many meanings as each of us can perceive and create.

We were inspired with the idea of a re-creative shelter, an activity in which individuals have a temporary and transportable residence. We have defined this program as a refuge for artistic practices, thinking of it as a space for intense learning and exchange. Since it is made up of a diverse group of artists, curators, researchers and academics, it is also a good opportunity to work on artistic, conceptual and social skills through a playful and friendly environment.