MASSIA is an easily accessible and self-organised space. It has no selection process, it is relatively cheap, its doors are open, and 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.
Whatever project you are 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, the garden or the stove, the lecture or the corridor).
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 four principles:
– Don’t leave traces
Clean behind you in order to leave every square centimetre, 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.
MASSIA aspires to be a space where intersectional, anti-racist, feminist analysis inform practice. Sexism, racism, classism, LGBTQ+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 principles above are the guidelines for this.
For a complex of reasons MASSIA is not the easiest place to bring children. If you would like to come with children, please inquire with us beforehand.
MASSIA is home to a cat; therefor we ask you not to bring pets along. If you need to bring your pet regardless, please inquire with us beforehand.