In today’s world, it is almost impossible to pursue a career as an artist without residency programs. Countless residencies are offered across the globe, each with their individual focus. They give artists the opportunity to gain new experience in a regional or international setting and to advance their artistic practice.

This book was inspired by Lukas Zerbst’s fellowship at Villa Minimo in Hanover. Zerbst titled the artist-in-residence exhibition Space Invader and provided a very literal interpretation of this: over the course of about two months, he appropriated the institutional space as his residence and studio and produced a whole series of site-specific installations. In front of the eyes of the visitors, the exhibition continued to take shape, offering unusual and close-up insights into the everyday processes involved in creating art.

The publication presents Zerbst’s project and, owing to texts by authors from various disciplines, contributes many different perspectives to the ongoing discussion about working conditions in the art industry.