SELF-ORGANISATION
MASSIA is a self-organised space. It has no selection process, it is relatively cheap, its doors are open, it has no staff. MASSIA is a place for re/production; it is also re/produced and maintained daily by the people who stay here for periods of time. Your participation in the maintenance of the space is a condition for your stay.
Whatever project you’re working on, MASSIA can only make it possible for you, if you make it possible for MASSIA too. The things in MASSIA are there for you and you are there for the things as well ( i.e. MASSIA, the garden, a stove, a lecture, or a corridor is there for you as much as you are there for MASSIA).
DURING YOUR STAY MASSIA ASKS YOU TO GIVE 1 HOUR OF YOUR DAY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SELF-ORGANISATION AND DAILY CARE WORK concerning the material and social relations that make MASSIA possible; this includes cleaning and maintenance of the common spaces (eg bathrooms, corridors… anything besides your private space and beyond cleaning up after yourself, which is a given), improving infra/structures, creating spaces for MASSIA residents including yourself, and can also include ‘immaterial’ care. It can be 2 hours every 2 days, a full day during a week of stay, etc.
MASSIA tries not to exclude, instead it wants to encourage all sorts of differences in resources, capacities, interests, backgrounds and knowledge. To avoid policing and hierarchical structures, MASSIA tries to create safety and care from within.
This is an ongoing practice to be carried by all – and is guided by 4 principles:
Don’t leave unwanted traces
Clean behind you in order to leave every square centimeter, that is not your private room, all the time available for everybody when you are not using it. Traces are unwanted or uninvited marks (material or immaterial) left in the space or in others.
Make it possible for others
Think of this as an opportunity to open up space(s) by showing a rehearsal or a movie, giving a lecture, starting a discussion, cleaning a corridor, or helping somebody.
The do-er decides
But not alone! Things are decided by the ones who do, more than the ones who talk. However, the opportunity to do is not without limits and action should be taken in consideration with others.
Mind asymmetries
MASSIA is made of asymmetries. People come from different places, inhabit different bodies, have different experiences, are situated differently in power structures and have different boundaries. Take this into account, challenge your own position and let it be challenged, while respecting other people’s boundaries.
Think those principles as interrelated.
SPACE ETHICS
MASSIA aspires to be a space where intersectional, anti-racist, queer-feminist analysis inform practice. Sexism, racism, classism, LGBTQIA+phobia, ableism, ageism, and any other form of discrimination or aggression are not tolerated. MASSIA fosters a practice of collective accountability and considers it everybody’s responsibility.
The mutual use of the available studios is discussed and negotiated between the colleagues when you are in MASSIA. The above principles are the guidelines for this.
We’re happy to welcome families and working on making MASSIA more child-friendly. Since the space can present some challenges for kids, we kindly ask that you check in with us beforehand if you’d like to come with children. We’ll do our best to see how we can accommodate you.
BED LINEN + CAR
MASSIA provides bed linen and towels; and a car which can be used for a fee of 0,35€/km (cash only – please bring enough cash with you as the next ATM is in Häädemeeste, 15km away from MASSIA).
Companion dogs, cats and other beings + ALLERGIES
MASSIA is home to a cat; therefore we ask you not to bring dogs or cats along. If you need to bring your companion beings, nevertheless, please inquire with us beforehand. If you are allergic to cats, you might need to reconsider your stay – or if you know it helps, please bring antihistamines with you.
TRAVEL
Detailed travel information is available here: https://www.massia.ee/getting-here/
The building is located opposite of the bus stop in Massiaru. If the main entrance is closed, you can enter the building via the backyard. If nobody will be there, you’ll receive a code for the key lock box, situated next to the back entrance, and can let yourself in. There you will find info on how to navigate MASSIA, find a room, bed linen etc. Further info on the functioning of the house can be found on the wall between the kitchens upstairs. Please familiarize yourself – remember, there is no staff.
GROCERIES
The neighbors have a small grocery store with basic food supplies (with only a small offering of fresh vegetables and fruits). They don’t accept card payment, so make sure to bring cash with you. Alternatively you can transfer money to the shop owner ahead of your shopping:
OÜ HALCO, IBAN: EE574204278602997103 (Coop Pank AS), reference: toidukaup.
“COLLECTIVE FOOD CUPBOARD”
There is also the possibility to join the “collective food cupboard” by paying a sliding scale contribution between 10-20€/day. Again, we ask you to consider what your regular costs for food are where you are living, and if you can support the food cupboard. It means people on site shop collectively and share groceries with anyone wanting to opt in. It also means you can arrive in MASSIA without needing to worry about food. It doesn’t necessarily mean collective cooking – but it can: that’s up to its users. It is self-organised: all its users are asked to maintain it collectively: shop, sort, refill, clean, etc. You’ll find more info when you arrive in MASSIA.
To get cash you can drive or cycle to Haädemeeste, 15km from Massiaru, where you can find an ATM and also a small supermarket with a wider range of products.