Pop-Up Studios at Republika
The Balay Kreative Pop-Up Studios at Republika are a communal artist and gallery space in the heart of SOMA Pilipinas. Republika, the future home of a Filipino retail incubator and art space, will feature a gallery for Balay Kreative grantees to showcase their work. As we continue to build Republika, we want to put this incredible space to use by providing community artists with affordable studio space and the opportunity to work with and learn with other creatives.
The Future Balay Kreative Gallery
Originally, we envisioned Republika as a retail space with ample room for artist workshops and gallery space. We were developing and testing programs to support artists and their work like artist residencies and professional development workshops. The gallery space would be a way to highlight our local artists’ work, from film, mixed media, VR/AR, and more.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we re-thought our original vision for Republika. We wanted to use the space to revitalize the economic and creative recovery of SOMA Pilipinas and help our community heal.
Affordable Studio Space for Creatives
While we wait for permits and funding for Republika to be finalized, we’re launching pop-up artist workshop studios to activate the space in 2021. The effects of the pandemic led us to develop our public art initiatives like the Kapwa Gardens Mural Residency that includes free studio space.
Bringing more artists back to SOMA Pilipinas will help strengthen our community and give artists and creatives the opportunity to rent out affordable studio space.
There are 7 studio spaces currently available to rent out at XXX REPUBLIKA ADDRESS. Each studio measures 8’ x 8’ and faces out to an open common area. Residents will have 24 hour access to the studios.
Setting the Gold Standard for Safety
In response to the safety protocols issued during the pandemic, we have strict procedures in place to keep our artists and residents safe. Before entering the space, residents will have their temperature checked at the front desk where hand sanitizer will be available.
Weekly COVID-19 tests will be required that can be taken at Kapwa Gardens, the latest pop-up testing site in the cultural district. Air filtration systems have been added to the space to regularly circulate air and occupancy for the space will be limited.
Working & Learning in Community
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we had Balay Kreative grantee and master puppeteer Ramon Abad and bespoke designer Cir Sayoc utilizing the studios as a creative workspace and performing space.
Cir Sayoc has been busy using the ample studio space to build structures for Kapwa Gardens. He’s also designing a collection for his brand, Non-uniformed Standard, that he hopes will one day bring small batch garment manufacturing to SOMA Pilipinas.
Ramon Abad, a Balay Kreative grantee, is a master puppet maker whose innovative puppet shows have been entertaining kids and families alike. From in-person shows at Undiscovered SF, Ramon has pivoted to live-streaming his puppet shows during the pandemic. He uses the studio space to stream his performances and to display his interactive puppet installations.