What happens when we stay? ¹

AIR is a project studio that nurtures a site responsive practice led by fine artists within the contemporary urban everyday. A programme of commissioning, experiential learning and research within Archway and around Kings Cross explores, fosters and effectuates new collaborations and opportunities for creative action, without waiting to be asked or instructed, producing temporary works, interventions, events and publications that are timely and necessary. The central research question ‘what happens when we stay?’ underpins our work.

¹ remain, linger, root, persist, pause (to stop temporarily and remain, as if reluctant to leave), return.

AIR introduces artists, from within and beyond Central Saint Martins, into the conversations, institutions and situations of the everyday, and encourages them to explore and test ideas without a definite outcome in mind, to respond to the visible and invisible qualities and predicaments of these places, and to engage in a dynamic exchange with the disparate communities of residents, workers, passing commuters and incidental tourists. Research, development and outcomes are artist-led, on-going and overlapping, and are rooted in instinct, experience and conversation. AIR is located in the very local but cooperates nationally and internationally.

AIR is hosted by Central Saint Martins Innovation with core funding from Higher Education Innovation Fund and project funding from Arts Council England, London Borough of Islington, Transport for London, Cocheme Charitable Trust, Henry Moore Foundation and Mayors Outer London Fund.