The city:
Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is located on the southern bank of the Congo River, in the Malebo Basin, opposite the capital of the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville. Once a place with a network of fishing and trading villages, Kinshasa is now a large city known for its hospitality and atmosphere - where human warmth is omnipresent. To appreciate its artistic and cultural richness, one must of course refer to the past. With an estimated population of more than fifteen million, Kinshasa is the third most populous city in Africa after Cairo and Lagos and is considered the largest French-speaking city in the world.

Special features/requirements:
Kin ArtStudio was founded in 2011 by visual artist Vitshois Mwilambwe Bondo, the director of the Congo Biennale, and is now entering a new phase following the organisation's recent move to the west of the city: Kin ArtStudio has recently moved into the former industrial space of the CPA Zaire concession, a huge building that once housed a textile factory for the production of ‘wax spagne’ (wax printing process). This spacious location has several artists' studios, offices, project rooms, a library, technical workshops and a bistro-restaurant. The Congo Biennale has also pitched its tents on this site. A certain degree of independence, physical and mental health and cultural sensitivity are required for a stay in Kinshasa.

Studio / Apartment:

There are five studios of 50m2 each with 24-hour internet access in an area of 1500m2. A 500m2 room is available as a wood, painting, digital and photo studio, while a multifunctional exhibition space is used for workshops, conferences, shows and experimental projects. Kin ArtStudio offers its guests modest, comfortable accommodation. The accommodation consists of single rooms with a bathroom. The houses are simply furnished and bed linen, blankets, towels and a weekly laundry service are provided.

Partner Organisations:

Kin-Art-Studio (KAS), Kin ArtStudio, KAS - Kinshasa / Site industriel Ex-Ctp à Kinsuka, banlieue Nord-Ouest de Kinshasa (commune de Ngaliema) Vitshois Mwilambwe Bondo, Direktor KAS: E-mail: vitshois@yahoo.fr Mobile: +243 855 183 442

Pro Helvetia Johannesburg, Swiss Arts Council, 87 De Korte Street

Braamfontein, South Africa Tel. +27 11 403 1880, www.prohelvetia.org.za