LASA: Art Collective as Social Enterprise in Havana Suburb
The Laboratorio Artístico de San Agustín (LASA), established in 2008 by French curator Aurélie Sampeur and Cuban artist Candelario, operates in San Agustín, Havana. It functions as both an art collective and a social enterprise, offering residency programs for Cuban and international artists that focus on collaborative projects in public spaces. To navigate Cuba's shifting economy, LASA combines commercial efforts like decorative painting with its artistic work, allocating 75% of its earnings to fund art initiatives. Notable projects include 'Public Attempts' (2008–10) and MAC/SAN (2012), which critiqued contemporary art spaces. Candelario's MAC/SAN TV (2012–present) uses USB sticks for broadcasting, catering to the local internet challenges. The collective also enjoys support from various European consulates and will highlight MAC/SAN TV at the 30th Bienal de La Habana from May 22 to June 22, 2014.
Key facts
- LASA was established in 2008 by Aurélie Sampeur and Candelario.
- LASA is based in San Agustín, a suburb of Havana, Cuba.
- Candelario's work Urbanízame (2009) involved drawing San Agustín's streets on his body.
- Arnaud Sallé's Noise Donation Corporation (2009) used a shipping container as a soundproof archive.
- MAC/SAN (2012) was a temporary art institution and sculpture during the 11th Bienal de La Habana.
- Erik Göngrich's BIOCUB – Artist's Nutrition (2012) involved drying mangoes with community participation.
- Alex Morales's CUBIC –OH (2012) led to the formation of the theatre company Sin Diploma.
- MAC/SAN TV (2012–ongoing) broadcasts via USB sticks due to Cuba's internet censorship.
- LASA allocates 75% of commercial income to art projects and operating expenses.
- MAC/SAN TV will be exhibited at the Wifredo Lam Centre from 22 May to 22 June 2014.
Entities
Artists
- Candelario
- Aurélie Sampeur
- Arnaud Sallé
- Erik Göngrich
- Alex Morales
- Stefan Shankland
- BBB Johannes Deimling
- Nora Schlecht
- Club Real
- César Riverón
- Leslie Salgado
- Pedro Moya
Institutions
- Laboratorio Artístico de San Agustín (LASA)
- Bienal de La Habana
- Wifredo Lam Centre
- MAC/SAN
- Elegoa Cultural Productions
- French consulate
- German consulate
- Netherlands consulate
- Sin Diploma
Locations
- San Agustín
- Havana
- Cuba
- Ivry-sur-Seine
- Paris
- France
- Brandenburg an der Havel
- Germany
- Saint-Malo
Sources
- Afterall —