Studio KOAS
KOAS (formerly Studio Syd) is a professional art studio for artists with non-normative abilities in Skåne. Run by Malmö Konsthall, the studio is the first dedicated professional art initiative for artists with non-normative abilities in southern Sweden. The aim of the project is to raise the visibility of this group within the art and cultural field, highlight its significant contribution to artistic development in the region, and create new structures for professional artistic practice within the group.
A bridge to the established art world
KOAS – an artistic oasis in a chaotic world – is an outward-facing artistic initiative that supports artists in Skåne with non-normative abilities who wish to develop a professional artistic practice. The aim is to create an inclusive space where accessibility and self-determination are central, and where more people are given the opportunity to be seen and to shape the future of contemporary art. The studio’s purpose is to open pathways into the established art world for individuals who have previously lacked access to it. Today, there are opportunities for this group to work professionally in other cultural fields in Skåne, but not within the visual arts. The project was called Studio Syd until January 2025, when a new name was developed in consultation with the studio’s appointed artists.
Part of an international movement
KOAS was established in 2025 as a studio collective, gallery, and creative meeting place in Malmö. At KOAS, professional artistic mentorship is offered, tailored to each artist’s ambitions and goals. The initiative is part of a larger international movement advocating for artists with non-normative abilities and their right to pursue artistic development on their own terms. The studio provides workspace for twelve artists. Unlike other similar initiatives in Sweden, Studio Syd will not be funded through LSS (the Act concerning Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments), giving the artists greater flexibility and freedom in their practice.
With support from The Swedish Inheritance Fund
The work on the new studio was made possible by a three-year project grant of approximately six million SEK, awarded to Malmö Konsthall by the Swedish Inheritance Fund (Allmänna Arvsfonden) 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 disabilities, 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.
Based on international experience
The project is also based on an extensive preliminary 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 showed, among other things, that similar initiatives abroad are very popular within the target group and have become important players in contemporary art. The visions and structures gathered from experienced international organizations are now being implemented at KOAS. The goal is to build a relevant and sustainable initiative for a Swedish context, and for the Malmö studio to serve as a role model and example for others who wish to develop similar programs in the future.
The target group involved
The initiative has been developed based on the target group’s wishes and artistic ambitions, under the guidance of professional artists. An important starting point for the project was to ensure that the target group had 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.
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
Studio KOAS, Arildsgatan 2 in Sorgenfri
NOTE! The studio is only open on request
Studio Syd is run with support from Allmänna Arvsfonden (the Swedish Inheritance Fund), Region Skåne, and MKB Fastighets AB. The steering group includes representatives from the Department of Disability Support, City of Malmö, Konstfrämjandet Skåne, Kultur och Kvalitet, Malmö University, and the Inuti Foundation. International sources of inspiration include organisations such as Creative Growth Art Center (USA), Intoart (UK), Artlink (UK), and Inuti (SE).
2025
In February 2025, operations were launched. During the first year, the focus has been on renovating the premises and recruiting staff as well as participating artists.
The premises on Arildsgatan in Sorgenfri, owned by MKB, cover 570 sqm and house studio spaces for twelve artists, a gallery, a meeting place, an event venue, and staff offices. In 2025, the premises have been adapted for both accessibility and operations.
A project coordinator and two artistic supervisors have been recruited to the project. In the spring of 2025, the project manager carried out a number of outreach visits to daily activity centers around Skåne to provide information about Studio Syd and how interested artists can get involved.
In August 2025, an Open House was organized for the target group, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the staff and see the newly renovated premises. On September 24, 2025, Studio Syd was inaugurated, and on September 26 the studio’s gallery opened to the public as part of Malmö Gallery Weekend.
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.
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.
“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.”
/Project manager, Lucy Smalley
“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.”
/Director of Malmö Konsthall, Mats Stjernstedt
“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
Photo: Helena Pataki.
