A4 ResidencyEvents
驻留展览

2024 A4 Residency Open Call Exhibition

Introduction

Sustainability is a hot topic at the moment. Especially in the context of globalization, ecology and national development, sustainability is constantly discussed as a common value and topic.

For A4 Residency Art Center, “Sustainability” as the theme of the year 2024 is not only presented as a proposition, but also how it responds to reality in its existence and development as a public institution, which includes different components such as the current situation of cultural institutions, diverse cooperation, and public relations.

From this point of view, this is not only a question for the majority of creators, but also a self-reflection in the process of their development and future. “Sustainability” is not just a rhetorical production of words and images, but also a constant justification of itself through various actual events.

In the studio, we will see documentation/plans of works from over 30 countries and regions, involving 50+ participants, all related to sustainability. We hope this sharing and exhibition will initiate reflections and creativity starting from our daily work and life. We invite everyone to join us in this endeavor!”

  • What is "sustainability"? Here’s what they say

    The word “sustainability” has been frequently mentioned and applied, and has long since taken on a new meaning. We made this exhibition with “sustainability” and its extended meaning, as the first concentrated voice of the residency center on “sustainability”.

    In order to enrich more expressions of “sustainability” and collect the extended meaning of different directions as practical investigations, we invited people from different fields to act as “sustainable” observers,and then let’s take a closer look and listen to the voices of “sustainable” observers.

     

    Chen Jianjun   Artist, interdisciplinary researcher

    “Sustainability” must be discussed within the specific context of local practices before we can meaningfully address it. Discussing this concept unconditionally and without restrictions is a method that should be questioned.

    Chat GPT

    “Sustainability”  usually involves a balance between environmental protection, economic benefits and social justice. The goal of sustainable development is to create a long-term prosperous world in the environment, economy and society.

    Du Hang   Expert, Tencent Group, ESG Coordination Office / X Lead, Finance Line Investment and M&A Management Department

    Sustainability is a beautiful vision of clear waters and green mountains for future generations, and a romantic narrative of civilization as depicted by writers. From my personal perspective, sustainability means the foundation of our good life, the premise upon which we enjoy convenience.

    Dieter Detzner   Artist, based and living in Berlin

    For me, sustainability is when things are in balance. This applies to everything such as art, nature, interpersonal relationships, work, …

    I believe that we can only achieve this balance if we bring ourselves into balance.

    Feng Xiao   Founder of “Xiao Ya Ga Ga” charity organization / Secretary General of the Asia Environmental Innovation Forum (AEIF)

    In my view, “sustainability” means envisioning the kind of beautiful world you want your descendants to live in and starting now to make efforts towards that vision.

    Yusaku Imamura   Professor, Tokyo University of the Arts

    This is the challenge facing Asia today. I hope that we can work together to address and overcome this problem in Asia.

    Lu Yuxi   Head of the Swiss Cultural Foundation Shanghai Office

    When the concept of sustainability is raised, it indicates that we have actually exploited this planet to the point of unsustainability. Has any other species ever pushed itself to such an extent?

    Mafi Espirito Santo   Artist, Cultural Commissioner of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chongqing and Beijing

    Sustainable practices encourage mindful consumption, renewable energy adoption, and waste reduction to combat environmental degradation.

    By integrating sustainability through creative expression movements, art can intersect profoundly.

    Artists can influence attitudes and behaviors, fostering a more conscious and eco-friendly society. Artists can use their creativity to raise awareness about environmental issues, conservation, sustainable practices and lifestyle. Both sustainability and social awareness work together to build a better future for all.

    Shen Changkun   Organizer of TEDxChengdu

    “Sustainability,” for a specific individual or group, is a description of continuing a certain rule-based game without formal authorization. For a specific phenomenon or event, it is a term that expresses the desire to maintain a certain state for as long as possible.

    Yamano Shingo   Director of the Higashimachi Regional Management Center

    Even in opposition, adopting an attitude of mutual learning, rather than blindly pursuing agreement or integration, this kind of educative relationship is what I consider a practical method for sustainable development.

    Vivian   Director of Brand Promotion, Chengdu Shishiwa Education Group

    “Ten years to grow trees, a hundred years to educate people.” Sustainability is a systemic vitality, a friend of time. It is like fertile soil, inspiring the spontaneous growth of life, supporting cycles of renewal, and embracing every state of living beings.

    Wan Chun   Sustainable Partner, IKEA

    “Sustainability” can be described as the recyclable ecological chain of nature. Unfortunately, the continuous development of human society and the artificial destruction of the natural ecological chain have put our planet in crisis. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone to adopt a “sustainable lifestyle” to regain the norms of behavior we have lost, allowing natural ecosystems to regenerate and making the Earth a better place.

    Xiang Jie   1% for the Planet Coordinator, Patagonia Chengdu Area

    Sustainability is a perpetual state or process, and more importantly, an action that meets current needs while reducing resource consumption, achieving harmony and symbiosis between humans and nature.

    Xu Keqi   Student, Chengdu Shishiwa Xindu Wulongshan School

    I believe that sustainability involves reimagining and recreating something, fostering innovative development and creative transformation. Then, integrating this new creation as a form of the new era into the current trends, allowing it to be understood and accepted by the masses. This, in turn, enables it to contribute to the activities of the new era.

    Yan Ping   Sustainable Partner, IKEA

    Sustainability is a way of caring for humanity and the Earth, requiring us to actively conserve energy, starting with small actions in our daily lives that can influence more lives. By protecting the Earth’s ecology, we can also lead better everyday lives.

  • Exhibition Details

    Everyone who comes to the site can share their feelings and choices. After coming to the A4 Residency Art Center (11th Floor, Unit 1, Building 1, LUXEZONE ), choose the way you are comfortable to get to know them, and finally make a decision.

     

    Participation Period

    April 27, 2024 – May 5,2024

    Presentation Period

    April 27, 2024 – May 31,2024

    Final List

    May 11, 2024

  • Q&A

    Q: What kind of project is this?
    A: As a new interdisciplinary platform open to the public, we aim to engage more partners at the forefront of projects. We invite individuals from diverse fields who share a common interest in local creation and exchange. They bring varied cultural backgrounds but share beliefs in collaboration and sharing. We look forward to testing a new mode of sharing, not just within the exhibition setting, but extending beyond!

    Q: What is this year’s theme?
    A: Sustainability is a current trending topic, especially concerning ecology and national development in a global context. It serves as a shared value and theme continually discussed. The 2024 Residency Project has launched its call under the theme “Sustainability,” gathering applications and proposals from over 30 countries and regions globally. Participants have the opportunity to complete their projects this year through the residency.

    Q: Who are these 50 creators/teams?
    A: They come from over 30 countries and regions worldwide, each with unique cultural backgrounds and areas of interest. They are gathered this year under the theme “Sustainable Discussions on Sustainability.”

    Q: Will all of them become members of the 2024 A4 residency?
    A: As part of the Open Call, we aim to showcase more applicants’ works and proposals upfront to help local partners understand them better. We will gather opinions and suggestions to finalize this year’s list of partners. Some applicants will collaborate with us. All individuals/teams submitting to the A4 Residency Project will enter our resource pool, with institutions maintaining interest, aspiring to establish sustainable relationships.

    Q: Who is A4 Residency Art Center? How to find “organization”?
    A: It’s an interdisciplinary collaboration platform centered around residencies, also a home for creators in Chengdu. We welcome friends from various fields and interests to join us here, where chatting, sharing, and collaborating are core values. You can follow our official WeChat account “A4 Residency Art Center” or add our residency assistant on WeChat: a4residency.

    Q: One last question! What is a residency? Why Chengdu?
    A: Residencies, originating from Europe, are a method and perspective of work. They involve immersing oneself in a new cultural and working environment outside of one’s original context to exchange, experience, and create. Chengdu, located in southwest China, is a diverse city blending historical, cultural richness with modern technological advancements and urban vibrancy. This mix of history, humanities, and technology sparks countless innovative possibilities. Chengdu is thus a crucial choice for internationalized work and exploration through residencies, stimulating local cultural development and emotional resonance, while attracting exceptional foreign resources and talents to create and disseminate here.