What is TEJA?

TEJA / Network of Cultural Spaces in Support of Emergency Situations, aims to promote transnational cooperation by offering temporary residencies to artists and cultural professionals who find themselves in complex socio-political situations in their countries of origin. Conflict zones not only disrupt essential services but also deeply impact the development of artistic practices and limit freedom of expression. With a firm and continuous commitment, TEJA is dedicated to supporting these artists, understanding that art is a key way to preserve the culture of a people whose autonomy is threatened.

The tile is one of the most commonly used materials for roofing in Spain and is the minimum unit for creating shelter. It functions through its interconnection with many other elements, like a network or membrane. From TEJA, as a platform, we seek to provide shelter through the shared effort of all its members.

Founded in May 2022, TEJA is a network initiated by three independent spaces in Madrid: Nave Oporto, Paisanaje, and Planta Alta (hablarenarte). Today, it is made up of 15 public and private institutions and independent organizations from the cultural sector in Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao. It began as a gesture of solidarity from the artistic and cultural sector in response to the emergency triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has since continued working with other emergency contexts, such as Palestine and Iraq, forging new alliances and incorporating public and private organizations into an unprecedented network.

TEJA offers a residency program in Spain for artists and cultural professionals from conflict zones. During their stay in Spain, residents receive accommodation, legal and psychological support, and access to a network of organizations and professionals with whom they can share, grow, and move forward with their creative projects. Our goal is to provide a safe and stimulating environment where artists can continue their work despite adverse circumstances, while also creating spaces for dialogue that ensure freedom of expression through collaborative activities, both in Spain and with international partners.