Asylum Studio

The Asylum Studio (Atelje Azil) is at once an artist-in-residence programme and the actual space where this programme is held. Located at the autonomous cultural centre Metelkova mesto and run by KUD Mreža Arts and Culture Association, the studio has been functioning since 2006. It is located in the attic of the building called Hlev, and is divided into a living and working space, with the latter sometimes also becoming a performing and exhibiting site.

Profile

Studio Asylum is primarily intended for artists working in music, visual and new media art. It hosts artists of various aesthetic orientations, and is quite flexible in how long they can stay, with residencies usually lasting from a few weeks to up to three months. The artists who apply for a residency are encouraged and also assisted to cooperate with local artists, to run workshops and other public events, and to also present their work at various local venues.

As Metelkova comprises an array of clubs, organizations, groups, artists, activists and visitors, a stimulating environment is guaranteed and the residents often collaborate with local artists and venues.

Past residencies

Since 2010, more than 60 artists have participated in long-term programmes at the studio. The studio has hosted artists from all over the world, including countries such as Great Britain, Sweden, Japan, Nicaragua and South Africa. Past residents include David Tshepo Maponyane and Domingo Pino Alcón, both of whom – in their own way – dealt with street art; the ethnomusicologist and musician Sunniva Skjøstad Hovde; and the dancer and choreographer Naoko Maeshiba.

Equal opportunities are ensured in the selection process regardless of gender, nationality, social status or other personal circumstances. The inclusive environment of Metelkova enables collaboration with diverse artistic and activist communities and fosters intercultural dialogue and social engagement.

In 2023 an artist-in-residence was Marta Malsegna. Marta brought her Third Paradise project to Metelkova mesto Autonomous Cultural Zone to recreate a connection between Metelkova's many communities and nature and to recreate a shared green space. The project was a visual action as well, such as the Pop-Up Exhibition, which aimed to restore some of the social and natural relationships that are an element of connection and care in Metelkova. Eric, a circus artist, and Hakim, an artist who documented the activities with photographs and videos, supported Marte in her project.