Prostor pro tanec, umění a komunitu v srdci Karlína.

WE CULTIVATE CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT.

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Cultivator is Studio ALTA’s platform transforming the practice and functioning of cultural institutions.

HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?

In recent years we have experienced a sort of bumpy journey, a cultural turbulence. We moved from industrial halls to the historic building of Invalidovna, and in 2023 we had to do it again, moving to a new space in the former Libeň Brewery. On top of that, there was the pandemic, crisis, invasion of Ukraine. All that has had a profound impact on us as a cultural institution.

READY FOR A CHANGE.

Just as the surrounding world and living conditions are changing, so are the needs of the public towards cultural institutions. Institutions’ thinking about themselves is changing. In order for cultural institutions to continue working towards their goals (to help, nurture, cultivate, offer space for encounters and creation), they must consciously consider methods and structures based on which they function. Cultural institutions of the 2020s must undergo a transformation, focus on emancipating the principles that drive their relationship to the public, redefine their responsibilities and ensure dignified conditions for establishment and development of their teams.

Since our foundation, we have identified our goal to create a space for the work and self-development of independent artists and other workers. Times are changing, and the scope of our activities has expanded, now also including a presentation of art and organisation of cultural events. However, what has always mattered to us the most, here at Studio ALTA, is the wellbeing of our staff members – development of their professional skills and exposure to professional experiences.

AND THAT’S HOW IT WAS BORN – THE CULTIVATOR!

It develops capacity of our super team (and not only ours), strengthens the position of cultural institutions in the public space, and focuses on relations with target groups. It takes care of professional development of artists and people working in culture.

WE FOLLOW THESE PATHS:

1. Institutions and Accessibility

2. Institutions and Knowledge

3. Institutions and Artists

1. INSTITUTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY ~ WE LOOK FOR A PATH, WE OPEN HORIZONS AND INTRODUCE NEW PRINCIPLES. IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY AFTER ALL.

What does this pillar include? Organising workshops, discussions, and lectures. This way we can change rules of the game to some extent. For example: in 2023 we have partnered with the organisation Tichý svět, work together on a process of interpreting some performances into sign language; we organised a gender-inclusive language course for PR and communication experts working in culture; we arranged for a lecture on alternative economic systems used abroad (based, for example, on trust or reciprocal work).

2. INSTITUTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE ~ A PLACE WHERE WE CAN GROW PROFESSIONALLY.

Working in culture, we want to develop our skills and continue to learn. What we learn here then benefits the public space, other institutions; it benefits the whole society. We do not keep it to ourselves.

Thus in 2023, we have offered technical workshops, expert courses for PR staff, and a crisis intervention course for the entire team.

3. INSTITUTIONS AND ARTISTS ~ TO SPEAK, BE HEARD, AND OVERCOME CRISIS THANKS TO ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS.

Cultivator’s third pillar includes two programmes for sharing.

Artist to Artist is a platform for meetings of independent artists and artistic groups on a regular basis. They share their professional day-to-day experiences and knowledge of artistic practice. Participating artists select two coordinators, and the group meets approximately once every two months to discuss a theme of their choosing. Some meetings are attended by invited experts to help with understanding of a particular issue.

Artist to Venues offers a space for sharing of ideas, requirements and problems that may occur between artists and art venues or organisers. We believe this is necessary for mutual understanding and for finding solutions to move forward. There is one such meeting scheduled in the Cultivator’s inaugural year. In the following years we would like to continue this effort and further develop these opportunities.

project No. 0214000056 – KULTIVÁTOR focused on the implementation of a project focused on networking, mentoring, artistic and professional cooperation with foreign influence, held on the territory of the Czech Republic.