Pilotenkueche / international art program

The project 'PILOTENKUECHE' supports artists and is an international artist-run residence with an art program based in Leipzig, Germany. Hidden in an old romantic factory, the independent project is organized by artists for artists. The team operates with a trans-disciplinary background between art, theory & diverse sciences. The goal is to provide artists with a base to work from, and acts as a conduit to the local art scene. The program invites selected artists from around the world to come and work in the 465m² communally used, fully remodeled space for an period of three months, with 24 hour studio access. Each accepted artist is offered a partial stipend, provided by 'PILOTENKUECHE'. During the programmed events the studio becomes our exhibition space. Our concept strives to create a communal space for experimental collaboration and discourse between participants, as well as with the greater Leipzig community.
The PILOTENKUECHE philosophy is focused on an interest of exchange through group dynamics, experimental strategies and trans-disciplinary ethos. The kinetic dialogue in a group of artists influences each to experiment in their art, ideas, approaches and methods. Pilotenkueche wishes to provide our participants with the experience of accomplishing something as a group, and moreover, in experimenting with new forms of cooperation which are vital in fostering an independent position in one's work. This leads to an intensive dialogue about individual ideas and working practices, binding the artists temporarily within the group, which leads to a long-term network that exists even after the residency is over. During each round of the residency, the group of artists can realize and show their projects during our program events.


The 465m² big studio space at Franz-Flemming-Str. 9, Leipzig

















Our program is a multifaceted. In participating in our residency, each artist participates in external studio visits and gallery tours. The artist also has the chance to take part in an artist talk, which further clarifies their position, a preview exhibition or open studio event presenting initial work, which takes mid-way through the residency, as well as scheduled consultations and critiques, culminating in a final group exhibition. The primary languages in use are English and German.
In organizing and running this residency project, it is the main goal of the members of PILOTENKUECHE to offer a platform that encourages dialogues and exchange about artistic practice from different people, coming from different places, and working in different techniques. Previous rounds have been broad in scope and concept, ranging from topics of activism to architecture, and including disciplines such as design, media arts, drawing, film, installation, intervention, literature, painting, performance, photography, print making, sculpture, and others, such as scientific field work. PILOTENKUECHE wishes to provide our participants with the experience of accomplishing something as a group. Moreover, by experimenting with new forms of cooperation, the artists can develop an independent position.

The mandate of PILOTENKUECHE intersects with the climate of the city as a whole, and we encourage our residents to explore its unique community. There are many options for housing, and this becomes a way for residents to engage with locals. ‘PILOTENKUECHE’ also offers a flat in Lindenau, a lively district where people often converge in impromptu gatherings for concerts, flea markets, art openings, Volxküchen, and at underground venues belonging to an ‘off space’ scene. Leipzig is also internationally recognized for the HGB art academy, The New Leipzig School, as well as the ‘Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei’, around which dwell several galleries, collectives, and independent studios. Given the affordability of the city, its proximity to Berlin, Amsterdam, Prague and Paris, and a dynamic freiraum culture, Leipzig has become a cultural focal point, where alternative art practices converge. The east side of Leipzig has also become a central hub for emerging artists and subsequently, an underground art scene. It is the ambition of ‘PILOTENKUECHE’ to temporarily bind the artists into this city, and into the group, which leads to a longer-term network that exists even after the residency is over. New residents often come across former participants, some of which still participate with our program during public events. In many ways, ‘PILOTENKUECHE’ is an international airport, and in many cases, our residents have decided to stay in Leipzig.


GUIDELINES

The basic guidelines of the project PILOTENKUECHE consist of the following points. They can transform within the project, depending on the interests of the participants:
The concept PILOTENKUECHE can change. It's open to new ideas and views – and is thus open to transformation. It is constantly changing, and in this way the overall concept PILOTENKUECHE is re-evaluating itself and learning.
PILOTENKUECHE is an independent artist in residence project. The basis of the program is to give international and local artists a platform and network.
The goal of the program is the promotion and support of residents & guests. We are not interested in commercial marketing.
So the platform PILOTENKUECHE centers only upon artistic and cultural content – not on market based ideas and approaches.
Thus the idea PILOTENKUECHE operates only on the base of charitable approaches and is a room for art, artists or corresponding disciplines.
The room PILOTENKUECHE puts emphasis on synergistic group dynamics, experimental strategies and trans-disciplinary exchange. Individually and as a collective enterprise, there emerges a space for changes of personal practice and approach.
The room PILOTENKUECHE is open: actors of different disciplines are offered the opportunity to develop concepts across borders of their own disciplines or to optimize existing ones.
Insofar the room PILOTENKUECHE shall the base for the exposition of new impulses. Thereby the platform focuses on the border-crossing correspondence of political, social and cultural topics.
The concept PILOTENKUECHE is not implemented as a stiff hierarchy. All tasks and ideas are achieved by a team that participates as equals on all parts of the project. This dedication shall also give an impulse for ideas of an alternative management.

The program is always looking for artists. We accept applications at any time. Specific arrangements will be made on a case-by-case basis.