Reflecting on the Transformative Journey of Remal Lab
In late 2024, Remal Lab became a beacon for international, regional, and local artistic exchange, fostering a unique residency program that united creative minds from diverse backgrounds. Initiated by Jordan-based performing arts platform Studio 8 in collaboration with the Prince Claus Fund, MMAG Foundation, Nave, and Drosos Foundation, this interdisciplinary arts lab unfolded across two remarkable locations: the historic heart of Amman and the breathtaking desert of Wadi Rum, from October 29 to November 20, 2024.
A Platform for Global Collaboration
Remal Lab brought together artists from around the world for a residency program focused on dialogue, exchange, and co-creation.
An International, Regional, and Local Residency Program
Remal Lab was designed to encourage a deep exchange of knowledge and creativity, bringing together artists and cultural practitioners from across the globe and the Arab world. It served as a melting pot for interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling participants to co-create in an environment that celebrated diversity, dialogue, and shared narratives. This residency program became a space where voices from different continents and cultures converged, linking spaces and people through the language of art.
A Two-Part Artistic Journey Through Jordan
The residency began in Amman, at a contemporary art center nestled in the historic neighborhood of Jabal Amman. Overlooking downtown, this vibrant urban setting became the hub for workshops, dialogue, and experimentation, laying the groundwork for the creative exploration ahead.
The journey then transitioned to Wadi Rum, a desert valley known as the “Valley of the Moon.” In this natural wonder, participants engaged in what became an “artistic laboratory,” where the desert itself acted as an active collaborator. Here, artists experimented with movement, sound, light, body, and voice while exploring ecological awareness and relationships beyond the human realm.
Creativity Across Stunning Landscapes From Amman’s vibrant art scene to Wadi Rum’s desert beauty, participants explored movement, sound, and ecology in unique settings.
Culmination: A Celebration of Creativity
The lab concluded with an outdoor exhibition and mini-festival in Wadi Rum, where the desert’s forces were harnessed to co-produce a multisensory experience. The participants’ works merged seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering audiences an immersive journey into the creative process. Select works were later shared in Amman and presented globally, showcasing the far-reaching impact of this residency program.
A Transformative Finale The lab ended with a collaborative exhibition in Wadi Rum, with works showcased in Amman and globally, celebrating artistic innovation.
Visionaries Behind the Program
Hadi Nahleh, Artistic Director of Studio 8 and the IDEA Festival, envisioned Remal Lab as a transformative space for artistic collaboration and exploration. With a focus on reclaiming lost knowledge and reimagining cultural narratives, his leadership ensured the program’s success.
Xiaoman Ren, Studio 8’s creative manager, brought her expertise in visual arts and immersive environments, curating a residency that blended traditional and experimental techniques to foster meaningful artistic connections.
A Legacy of Exchange and Collaboration
Remal Lab was more than a residency program—it was a movement that underscored the power of international, regional, and local artistic exchange. By fostering collaboration between artists from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, the lab became a platform for cultural dialogue, innovation, and the exploration of new creative frontiers.
This groundbreaking program not only showcased the artistic potential of Jordan but also positioned it as a hub for cultural exchange on the global stage, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of interdisciplinary art.
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