Why did you decide to apply to this program and visit this creative hub?
My selection of STPLN in Malmö was because as an amateur art researcher, looking for my art path, trying to find how to create this as my next career path, I believed, and now confirm, that this place was best fit for this purpose. In addition, Malmö is a place that I visited 12 years ago and I knew that this place would be a great opportunity for me to live the real experience and to take in what Malmö has to offer. Since the first contact, among other two coworking spaces from ECHN, it has been a great and welcoming connection. About experiencing a coworking and an art incubation, at some point, because it was more like a residency, which I loved, it has nothing more than excited me and confirmed my correct choice on the place. STPLN team and their activities, plus the whole full amenities and equipped space, not to mention their welcoming people, made me feel at home, part of the group. Thanks to Sanna and Enes, it has been a wonderful experience all over the 5 days I lived there.
What objectives did you meet during the exchange?
My objectives were to experience the space, attend art incubators workshops or classes for artists and entrepreneurs, and be able to present and showcase an art interactive installation that STPLN does. First approach and emails were with Bertil, the last CEO, and after, since Sanna has continued his work and position as the new CEO, we have contacted and followed these ideas and plans to be done at STPLN.
What activities did you do during your hub?
My main activities have been attending to the space, experiencing the warm, calm and cozy space that STPLN has. Sanna and Enes shared information and suggestions on where to find materials needed for my art installation. They have also showed me around all the amenities from the space, including materials, gears and tools, for me to be able to prepare the substance and items, to be able to implement and use them during the installation, like jars, tweezers, scissors, tapes, wires, oven, etc. Therefore, it was more like a 5 days art residency.
Last Friday, the 30th of August, the afternoon started with a workshop on “The application process” about how to apply to art funds and how to succeed on it", lectured by a local art gallery. I have also networked with other local artists, exchanging different points of view on this type of applications, their failures and successes.
After that there was an after office gathering, to share some beverages and snacks, exchange comments about the workshop, and network with the attendees, plus the usual members from the space. By the time of 18hs, after a lovely introduction from Sanna, I had started my performance and art interactive installation about sound experience, psychology and neuroscience. The experience proposes two main moments, where visitors interact with the exhibition items itself, by injecting water colors into the “brain” substance, while at that exact moment, a phrase sound is triggered. By doing that, it replicates the moment of the synapses in our brains, linking one memory or concept with the other. Given as a result a colored wired gelatin, as a metaphor for connecting ourselves with our mind and thoughts.
Other activities like attending a film premier, Food inc., invited by Sanna, which was an eye opening film about today ́s food industry in the US, and how it affects society around the world. And thanks to her too, who introduced me to a pair of members I got to know them and share some moments with them, giving a new colleague relationship, as we are all architects working on similar projects.
Community lunches have been great experiences as well, as you can exchange experiences and information, and network at its best.
What new community did you meet at the hosting hub?
This experience has made me meet artists in residence from different parts of Malmö, locals coworking in the space, and gave me the opportunity to showcase my art there. From writers, art therapy teachers, poets, interactive design, architects, etc. it has given me the opportunity to share creative activities, community and networking, as well as get to know better how well connected and synchronized this program is, giving me the chance to enhance the great experience of ECHN.
