GUBGUB PROGRAMS
Our program is structured as a two-legged ex-change, pairing GubGub artists with external practitioners based on converging research and complementary interests. The local artist becomes a host for the guest during their residence, which allows the visitor to develop ties with our extended community, explore the context from within, and connect with local resources. Ideally, following the first leg of the program and the guest's return to their base, they reciprocate by hosting their GubGub peer for a residency at their studio or in-stitution. We aim to grow diverse yet interconnected networks by fostering personal bonds and meaningful professional exchanges, seeing these as valuable sources of collaboration and support. GubGub Studios provides a private studio space, independent on-site accommodation, access to our in-house production facilities and connection with the surrounding fabrication assets, common work and social areas, as well as studio visits with the GubGub mentors, participation in at least one of our programs [talks, workshops, screenings, lives, etc., and an end-of-residence socialization of the program's experience in the form of an exhi-bition, an activation, open studio, or the format that best suits the work. The frequency and duration of each residence is discussed on a case-by-case basis according to the nature of the research, the guest's capacity, and availability of funds.
Ghorfa is the classical Arabic word for room. Rooted in our global majority influence and shared ideas of hospitality and reciprocity, we decided to make room and offer a room to host guests from near and far. GubGub Studios offers a project space and a heterogeneous residence program for cultural exchange and research. The initiative is not limited to visual arts; we are open to projects exploring food, publishing, and social practices aside from art production and curatorial practice. Our residences are either initiated internally or through funded partnerships with other entities.
Reflecting our interest in food and a culture of nur-turing, GubGub studios hosts regular culinary events in collaboration with chefs, cooks, bakers, researchers, foodies, and aunties. The events follow the format of a pop-up kitchen where set menus are served to guests at the studio, focused on creative and experimental food and beverage explorations set against a music playlist selected by the author[s]. The diners have a limited capacity of 30 to 40 seats; reservation and advance payment are required.
Letting our host environment-Sanaiyya [Industrial Area - permeate us, we adopted the Arabic loan-word Wrsha, as the brand for our series of hands-on knowledge sharing sessions, which translates to "workshop or factory, implying a place of creation, craftsmanship, or diligent work". From a place of generosity, everyone is welcome to disseminate what they do and love; these workshops are not limited to any one specific field, and the topics could range from pickle-making to pottery or creative writing; these don't have a regular schedule and are offered to accommodate the collaborator's schedule.
Mirroring other regional initiatives that use shasha, the Arabic word for screen, as a reference to film; GubGub studios presents a monthly screening series that includes narrative and experimental film as well as video art. The regional cinema program is a cooperation with the Lebanese cultural cooperative AFLAMUNA, and it is part of their Ma-sahat Community Cinemas Network focused on the dissemination of independent Arab cinema at a community level.
Embedded within a historically aural culture, we propose listening as an aesthetic act and the appreciation of sound beyond language in an intimate setting. This series encompasses a wide range of sonic and performing experiences, such as vinyl spinning, listening sessions, band and solo live acts, performance art, spoken word acoustic and electronic improvisations, slam poetry, and anything involving sound and pres-ence. These are hosted on Saturdays at least every 2 months and don't have a fixed time. The duration of the session is up to the performer or the piece being presented, and it might include other complementary activities.
Girgir is a Gulf Pidgin Arabic [GPA] expression, colloquial lingo meaning cacophony or nonsensical talk; we reclaim the term, alluding to the multiplicity of voices we aim to host. This series focuses on everything art, and it can take the shape of lectures, panel discussions, round tables, interviews, or even informal chats amongst peers; it is recorded as a podcast and happens once a month inviting our artists; local arts and culture practitioners; international visitors such as curators, scholars, and established artists; and of course GubGub friends.