Studio Syd
In spring 2025, Malmö Konsthall will begin work on a professional art studio for artists with non-normative abilities in Skåne. The studio, currently called Studio Syd, will become the first dedicated professional art initiative for artists with non-normative abilities in southern Sweden. The project aims to bring visibility to this group within the arts and culture sectors, highlight their significant contributions to regional art development, and create new structures for professional artistic practice within the group.
A bridge to the established art world
Studio Syd will be aimed at artists with non-normative abilities in Skåne who want to develop a professional art practice. The studio’s purpose is to open pathways into the established art world for individuals who have previously lacked access to it. While there are currently opportunities for this group to work professionally in other cultural fields in Skåne, there are none within the visual arts.
Studio Syd will serve as both a physical meeting place in Malmö, with studios for artistic work and a gallery for exhibitions, and a digital platform representing artists on a national and international level. Unlike other similar initiatives in Sweden, Studio Syd will not be funded by LSS (The Act concerning Support and Service for Persons with Certain Disabilities), providing artists with greater flexibility and freedom in their practice.
With support from The Swedish Inheritance Fund
The work on the new studio is made possible by a three-year project grant of approximately six million SEK, awarded to Malmö Konsthall by the Swedish Inheritance Fund in autumn 2024. With this initiative, the fund aims to support the development of a society where everyone can participate on equal terms.
Malmö Konsthall has over ten years of experience working with individuals with non-normative abilities, primarily through the Konstlyftet project, which today includes exhibitions, workshops, and public art in Malmö’s residential areas. In recent years, the art hall has noticed a growing interest in the professional work of this group, both from LSS-supported daily activity centers and the art world.
The project is also based on an extensive feasibility study conducted by Malmö Konsthall in 2023 with support from Region Skåne. The study examined how established national and international art organizations work to support artists with non-normative abilities. It shows, among other things, that similar initiatives abroad are very popular with the target group and have become important players in contemporary art. The visions and structures gathered from experienced organizations abroad will now be implemented to build a relevant and sustainable initiative for the Swedish context. The goal is for the studio in Malmö to become a role model and an example for others looking to develop similar initiatives in the future.
The target group involved
The initiative will be developed based on the target group’s wishes and artistic ambitions, under the guidance of professional artists. An important starting point for the project has been to ensure that the target group has influence throughout the entire process. In January 2023, a dialogue group was therefore established with representatives from LSS-supported activities in Skåne, who were involved in the planning of the studio throughout the year.
The studio project is led by Malmö Konsthall in collaboration with the Cultural Administration of Malmö City, the Support Services Administration of Malmö City, Konstfrämjandet Skåne, Kultur och Kvalitet, Ateljé Inuti in Stockholm, MKB Fastighets AB, and Malmö University. Inspirational sources include organizations such as Creative Growth Art Center in the USA and Intoart in the UK.
After the project period from 2025 to 2027, a sustainable organizational structure and funding model will be in place to enable long-term operation and further development of the initiative. We will also develop a dissemination model so that similar initiatives can be established in other parts of the country.
For more information contact:
Lucy Smalley, project leader Studio Syd
+46 (0) 72-156 35 14
lucy.smalley@malmo.se
2023
During the first year of the project, the focus was on research and developing an organizational plan for the studio. The project manager visited a dozen organizations around the world that work with artists with non-normative abilities to gather experiences and insights in preparation for the establishment of a studio in Skåne. Throughout the project year, a network of local, national, and international partners was created. In December 2023, the project manager presented an operational framework and a business plan in the form of a report.
2024
In 2024, the focus was on securing funding for the future operation, sharing the knowledge gathered during the research year, and developing the artistic conditions for the target group through an investigation into compensation systems. In October 2024, the project was granted a three-year funding award from the Swedish Inheritance Fund, marking the official start of the studio initiative.
“Establishing a new, forward-looking studio initiative is both a way to bring visibility to the target group, secure their participation within the cultural sector, develop their unique artistic practice, and create a platform for dialogue between the target group and established artists.”
Lucy Smalley, Studio Project manager
“The issue of representation within art institutions and fair access to culture has become increasingly important both in contemporary art, among decision-makers, and within the target group itself. Other countries have advanced much further in this regard, and we are at the right moment to launch a new initiative that addresses these issues.”
Mats Stjernstedt, Director of Malmö Konsthall
“The project is a great example of how to include and engage more people with disabilities. Across Sweden, there are many good ideas for developing methods and initiatives in collaboration with this target group. With support from the Inheritance Fund, new ideas can grow for a society where everyone can participate on equal terms.”
Hanne Konradsen, Unit Manager Swedish Inheritance Fund