STUDIO STADSWAAG. Following up on how to plumb a space for learning - part 2

STUDIO STADSWAAG
Following up on how to plumb a space for learning
part 2

Text and images by BLESS, Luc Deleu, Endeavour, Doris Kolesch, Brandon LaBelle, Emilia Schupp, Bert Timmermans, Rirkrit Tiravanija

Editing by Nico Dockx, Caroline Thaler

Studio Stadswaag began as a proposal for an artwork in public space for the renewed Stadswaag square. Very quickly, however, it evolved into something much broader: a co-creation process in which the boundaries of the project continuously expanded.

The former garage of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp has its entrance door on the Stadswaag square and has been unused for more than fifty years. Reclaiming and transforming it into Studio Stadswaag gives the space renewed life as a site for students and their work and encounters with neighbours and passers-by.

While the space is not yet in use, its necessity and urgency has been tested out during the project’s research years. To ensure these ideas will be carried out in the future (after completion of the renovation and restoration works of the space) protocols have been written.

As with all ‘products’ of this art in public space project, these protocols have been a collaborative process. BLESS, Luc Deleu, Brandon LaBelle, Emilia Schupp and Rirkrit Tiravanija have contributed within the context of their own interests, desires and disciplines to (a protocol) for (art in) public space.

This final publication brings together the understanding of protocols in (public) spaces, art and society with their work-in-process.

Released on the occasion of the official opening of a series of artistic protocols proposed by invited artists: BLESS, Brandon LaBelle, Emilia Schupp and Rirkrit Tiravanija, for the forthcoming Studio Stadswaag space at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp end 2028, initiated by Expanding Academy and Stadsform, 14–15/05/2026, and with the support of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Endeavour, District Antwerpen and Vlaamse Overheid (in the frame of the Stimuleringsinstrument Kunst in Opdracht in de Publieke Ruimte).

Published within the context of the Expanding Academy Publication Series edited by Nico Dockx and Judith Wielander at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp.
2026