maumau art residency:
a hub of diversity, cultural fusion, and unrestricted creativity
where diversity meets cultural fusion
Since its inception in 2012, maumau has established itself as a vibrant platform where art in its multifaceted forms thrives. Here, art is not just a medium but a powerful language of expression that embodies freedom, challenges societal norms, and mirrors the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. At maumau, we recognize art as a dynamic force capable of blending different cultural elements to create unique and innovative expressions.
our mission
maumau is dedicated to fostering an environment where the freedom of expression, cultural fusion, and artistic diversity are celebrated. We aim to nurture art that serves as a potent tool for conveying ideas, challenging conventions, and representing the myriad cultures that form our global society. Our mission is to provide a sanctuary where artists can create without the constraints of censorship, ensuring that their voices are heard and their visions realized.
challenging the auto-censorship against freedom of expression
The right to freely express one's creativity is at the heart of maumau's ethos. We stand firmly against censorship, advocating for an art world where ideas can be explored and debated openly. Censorship, by its nature, stifles creativity and limits the potential of art to provoke thought and drive societal progress. At maumau, we strive to dismantle these barriers, empowering artists to push boundaries and explore the full extent of their creative capabilities.
embracing cultural fusion
Cultural fusion lies at the core of our philosophy. This process of integrating diverse cultural elements fosters new, hybrid forms of artistic expression that reflect the interconnectedness of our global community. Through cultural fusion, we celebrate the synthesis of different traditions, perspectives, and artistic practices, enriching the art world with fresh and innovative viewpoints.
promoting equality and multiculturalism in the arts
Equality and multiculturalism are essential pillars of maumau's vision. We are committed to ensuring that all voices, irrespective of community or gender, are valued and represented in the art world. By promoting equality in the arts, we amplify the contributions of diverse groups and foster a more inclusive and representative artistic landscape. Multiculturalism, on the other hand, enriches artistic practices with global perspectives, facilitating a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
preserving cultural heritage
To this end, maumau is located in the very historic centre of İstanbul. Both the studio space, Barın Han, and the accommodation, Recital Park Hotel, are important figures in the area in terms of preserving cultural heritage and establishing fruitful collaborations with actors in culture and the arts.
environmental and cultural sustainability
At maumau, we are mindful of the environmental impact of artistic production. We strive to minimize our ecological footprint and uphold the principles of sustainability in all our endeavors. Additionally, we are dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and harnessing its power to drive social impact, ensuring that art remains a vital and sustainable force in society.
commitment to artist rights and collaborations
We prioritize the independence and intellectual rights of our artists, upholding these values in every collaboration and project. maumau is committed to protecting the creative freedom and integrity of our artists, providing a supportive environment that respects their artistic visions. Through sustainable and impactful collaborations, we aim to foster a thriving artistic community that benefits both artists and society at large.
At maumau, we believe that art has the power to transform, inspire, and unite. By championing diversity, cultural fusion, and unrestricted creativity, we aspire to make a lasting impact on the global artistic landscape and contribute to a more open, inclusive, and vibrant society.
our collaborator
studio space
Barın Han is a 5-story building in Çemberlitaş, old town of Istanbul, and is known as the atelier of Turkey's leading calligraphy and binding expert, Emin Barın. History of Barın Han is closely linked to books and printing. For 50 years, Barın Han became a unique spot for booklovers, publishers, artists and collectors. Throughout these years, Barın Han also hosted Thursday Gatherings, where every Thursday for 25 years, people interested in paper, ink and books were getting together to discuss new forms and practices. After being renovated by the family, sticking to the original texture, Barın Han opened its doors again in 2019. Since then, the Han have been hosting a variety of exhibitions, performances, gatherings and art talks, as well as nurturing foreign artists as artist studios. Experiencing the history of book art and calligraphy of Turkey in the Han, these artists received the chance to explore the different techniques, materials and machines used for bookbinding and calligraphy.
accommodation
Recital Park Hotel, a boutique hotel situated in Kadirga, one of the eldest quarters of the Old City of Istanbul – Sultanahmet.
This property offers a great ambience reflected by the world-renowned hospitality of Türkiye that the professional and experienced personnel renders service with, along with a charming decoration providing a warm welcome to each of its distinguished guests from all over the globe.
In front of the hotel, the guests will have the chance go for a stroll in the evenings, where they will feel the fresh breeze of the sea viewable from some of the rooms.
The most historical sites, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the Underground Cistern, are at a 10-15 minutes’ walking distance away, slightly uphill. From there, the guests will have the opportunity of either visiting the Grand Bazaar or, by walking towards Sirkeci, the ancient trading harbour of tradesmen from near and far, where the guests can step into the Spice Bazaar, getting some inspiration of the traditional cuisine of the Ottoman Empire times.