Spreepark Art Space

First of all, the SPA International Residency is a three-month, collective-based program, meaning applicants must apply as a group and live together for three months at the residency space. For artists who usually go solo, this requirement might seem like a high barrier. The good news is that the institution welcomes both pre-existing and newly formed collectives. So, if you're open to collective practices or have been longing for the time and space to explore one, this residency could be an ideal opportunity. And that was exactly what I did. Together with other three artists friends, we formed a new collective to apply for the program and were fortunate to be selected. The experience, in every aspect, was very satisfying and rewarding. Since it's a new residency program (our round was the inaugural one), so everything is freshly renovated. Each resident is provided with a compact IKEA-style suite, including a bedroom, a studio space, and a private bathroom. There’s also a fully equipped shared kitchen and living area. A note is that, the residency “studios” resemble offices more than traditional artist studios. There are strict guidelines requiring spaces to be kept tidy and returned to their original condition. As a result, the environment is better suited to “clean” practices—such as image-based or concept-driven work—rather than messy or material-heavy processes. Another note is that unfortunately there is no fabrication facilities avaiable at the residency, so there is no wooden or metal workshop, and etc. We had an open studio session in the middle of our stay, hosted over 100 visiters throughout the day, and received lots of positive feedback. The residecny also resulted to a final exhibition, the information of which could be easily found on the SPA website. Overall, I can say I highly recommend this residency program.