JAŠA / APNEA's RHAPSODY, 1st Action / 2012

IG: @Making_it_space

Making It is an international workshop dedicated to nurturing young artistic talent. It is led by renowned Slovenian contemporary artist JAŠA, current resident of Kühlhaus Berlin.

The workshop is rooted in collaborative ethos and driven by the need for practical guidance in contemporary art. The program aims to provide participants with hands-on experience, valuable insights into cultural management and entrepreneurship, and a platform to engage with socio-political issues through artistic expression.

 "We are excited to continue the legacy of Making It by offering aspiring artists a dynamic and supportive environment to explore their creativity," says JAŠA, "Through immersive experiences, mentorship, and networking opportunities, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of artists."

The project kicked off with a public presentation of the program at the Venice Academy of Fine Arts during the renowned Venice Biennale, followed by an open call. After an incredibly challenging selection process, due to the overwhelming number of outstanding applications, sixteen exceptional young artists were chosen to participate.

The first part of the workshop took place over the summer in Koper, where participants immersed themselves in a week-long environment of continuous dialogue and collaboration. The participants presented their project proposals, which they evolved and developed over the course of the week. Transformations and new perspectives were nurtured by ongoing dialogue with mentors. Their artistic progression was complemented by guest lecturers, who covered important segments of cultural management, necessary for every young artist’s successful career development.  

The work process continued with online sessions, where participants further developed, discussed and refine their projects, which rapidly took concrete shape and structure. 

The second phase of the workshop was All Tomorrow's Songs, a public interdisciplinary group exhibition which unfolded on 8. November 2024 in Kühlhaus Berlin.

All Tomorrow's Songs blends diverse art forms in a cohesive, collaborative presentation that reflects the participants growth as artists and individuals during the workshop. Each work responds to the current socio-political climate, calling for unity and offering insights into the challenges faced by younger generations, striving to promote hope and constructive dialogue rather than mere criticism.

Participants of the Workshop/ Artists on display:
Aliaksandra Tratsiakova (Belarus) / Amor Smilovic Fazlic (Italy) / Angelica Osawemwenze (Italy) / Anna Eugenia Furlan (Italy) / Ayla Heier (Netherlands) / Aws Al Zubaidi (Palestine) / Fabrizio Rigutti (Italy) / Irene Ambrogi (Italy) / Ludovico Colombo (Italy) / Nejc Zorenč (Slovenia) / Neža Hajšek & Blažka Šifrar (Slovenia) / Olga Karaseva (Russia) / Qafar Rzayev (Azerbaijan) / Rac Montoro (Italy) / Sofya Vavra (Russia) 

JAŠA (Jaša Mrevlje-Pollak, 1978, Ljubljana) is a contemporary artist who has successfully himself through numerous projects around the world and, due to his continuous work, established himself as one of the most important Slovenian contemporary artists of his generation. He has exhibited in New York, London, and many other locations worldwide, and also represented Slovenia at the renowned Venice Biennale. In recent years, he has been living in Berlin as a resident artist of the Kühlhaus Berlin foundation.

More about the artist: https://www.jasha.org/

Project leader: We.are inštitut
Partners: Kühlhaus Berlin, Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia, KUD Ljud, PiNA
Main mentor: JAŠA
Co-mentors: Laura Rositani, Grega Močivnik, Nina Vombergar
Guest lecturers & mentors: Harshini J. Karunaratne, Mattias Gimigliano, Vuk Ćošić, Tjaša Pureber, Motovila, Noah Charney, Arthur Duff, Michele Drascek, Zlatko Širol
Curators: Laura Rositani, JAŠA
Production & promotion: Glasilka (Vladimir Mihajlović, Andraž Boštjančič)
Design & support: Rosa Lux

The project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor the National Agency can be held responsible for them.

The project is supported by SKICA Berlin. 

About JAŠA:

JAŠA, born Jaša Mrevlje-Pollak in 1978, is a contemporary artist based in Berlin. Graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice in 2006, JAŠA's innovative approach merges visual arts with conceptual practices. His work has been showcased internationally at prestigious venues including the Venice Biennale and Frieze London and New York.

For more information, visit JAŠA's website.

Partners:

• Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia
  Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia: The Academy of Fine Arts of Venice, established in 1750, is one of Italy and Europe's oldest art academies. Dedicated to nurturing creativity, artistic expression, and critical thinking, it remains a prestigious institution committed to excellence in arts education.

• PiNA
  PiNA is an association of culture and education with a 20-year tradition in promoting social well-being, individual competencies, cooperation, and sustainable development. Through various initiatives, PiNA empowers civil society organizations and fosters positive social change.

• Kühlhaus Berlin
  Kühlhaus Berlin is a vital hub in Berlin's thriving art scene, providing a space for artistic experimentation, dialogue, and engagement. With a focus on supporting innovative contemporary art practices, Kühlhaus Berlin attracts both local and international audiences, contributing to the city's cultural vibrancy.

• We.Are Institute
  Co-Founded by contemporary artist JAŠA, We.Are Institute focuses on interdisciplinary art projects and exhibitions. Based in Berlin, the institute aims to develop visionary artistic practices that respond to current political and social issues. It also emphasizes mentoring and knowledge transfer to younger artists, fostering collaboration and creativity.

• Glasilka: With over 25 years of experience, Glasilka is a seasoned team specializing in organizing diverse corporate and cultural events and managing public relations. Their expertise spans across film, music, and contemporary arts, encompassing the organization and production of concerts, dance events, exhibitions, and other culturally enriching activities.

  Glasilka also excels in planning communication strategies and establishing media relations, leveraging their extensive network of contacts in both culture and business. Their collaborative approach fosters creative partnerships with various creators and organizations, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape.

For media inquiries, please contact: Info@making-it.space