Promoting Artistic Ingenuity in Portugal: AiR351's Initiative
Born in the heart of Portugal's vibrant cultural scene, AiR 351 (www.Air351.website) is a dynamic, non-profit art organization, dedicated to nurturing creativity and innovation in the world of visual art. Established in 2017, this studio-based residency program has quickly become a hub for cross-cultural dialogue, collaboration, and the cultivation of a global artistic community.
Nestled within the refurbished classrooms of the Escola Monumento D. Luiz I in Cascais, AiR 351's headquarters strike a perfect balance between historical charm and contemporary ingenuity. The facility hosts six individually accessible studios for our resident artists, complemented by communal spaces like a shared kitchen, a carefully curated library, and a former schoolyard. These areas serve as melting pots for both impromptu conversations and planned exchanges.
AiR 351's mission revolves around amplifying the global reach of creative expression, driving ambitious projects and fostering international collaborations. To date, the program has welcomed over 50 artists and curators hailing from more than 25 countries worldwide.
The organization's ambition extends to creating meaningful opportunities for artists and curators through strategic partnerships and a relentless pursuit of public funding. Guided by an international Strategic Advisory Board and overseen by an discerning external International Selection Committee, AiR 351 stands at the forefront of professional development within the local and international artistic communities.
In a recent conversation, we chatted with Luisa Especial, co-founder and Artistic Director of AiR 351.
So, where does the name AiR 351 come from?
We wanted to be self-explanatory with a label that instantly conveys our identity. AiR signifies our presence within the artistic community, while the 351 points towards our location in Portugal. We're currently expanding into other cities, aiming to establish additional points A and C.
I see, the 'our' in your online address (www.Air351.website) clearly communicates your focus.
Exactly, it helps us quickly position ourselves within the artistic community.
The residency program is located in a former school building. Was it a regular school for kids? What was the facility like?
Yes, the building was designed as a school, constructed around 1903 towards the end of the monarchy. Though it looks grand from the outside, it's quite cozy inside, featuring two classrooms for 50 students each. The main area of the building served as housing for the teachers. The municipality offered us various locations to set up, but we chose this one because of its intimate size, which allowed us to accommodate five to six artists comfortably. The building housed the kids' classrooms and play areas, and now it provides a creative space for our artists and team to work and collaborate.
When selecting artists for the residency, which disciplines do you focus on?
We primarily welcome visual artists working with mediums like photography, painting, and drawing. We've yet to admit anyone working in literature, theatre, or dance. Additionally, we invite researcher and curators to join our program. There's an ongoing, permanent call for artists, and we often launch specialized open calls according to grants offered by our partners.
When artists apply for the residency, do they need to submit a preliminary concept or project proposal?
While a pre-existing project can provide some context, it's not mandatory. Many artists arrive with no preconceived ideas and develop their projects from scratch during their stay. We don't impose a final deliverable at the end of the residency, as some projects may span years and it wouldn’t make sense to force a completion.
What facilities does the studio provide for artists?
Our studios are essentially blank canvases, equipped with the bare essentials, based on the specific needs of each artist. For instance, if an artist works with ceramics, we make connections to a nearby ceramics school to facilitate their work. The studios primarily function as creative spaces, allowing for meetings with other artists, collectors, gallerists, curators, and critics. They serve as hubs for discussion and collaboration.
AiR 351 seems to emphasize community and collaboration. How important is dialogue between artists within the program?
We strive to create an open and innovative atmosphere for artists to develop new works. The residency encourages dialogue and collaboration amongst artists, fostering the development of new ideas and projects.
Artists at AiR 351 might find inspiration in exploring home-and-garden themes, as the organization's headquarters, a former school, provides a unique environment with communal spaces like shared kitchens and a library, fostering impromptu conversations and planned exchanges (imagine collaborative art installations created using repurposed school desks or utilizing the schoolyard for photographic exhibitions). The emphasis on community and collaboration at AiR 351 extends beyond the boundaries of visual art, opening doors for artists to not only cultivate their creativity but also to shape their lifestyle within a vibrant artistic community.
