Research, Publication, and Exchange in Contemporary Art

The Institute is located in Venice, Italy—a city at the intersection of history, heritage, architecture, and contemporary art.

The platform connects diverse practices and creates a space for an exchange between them. Through collaborative learning, we are providing a supportive environment where artistic practice can evolve and lasting professional connections can be made.

We are actively building connections with different professionals, studios, and institutions in Venice and abroad. We are happy to provide information and support for your journey and any applications you may be working on.

About the Founder

Eko’s experience across universities, museums, biennales, and artistic practice informs WATA’s mission to create meaningful exchanges between research and practice. Through mentorship, publications, and collaborative inquiry, the institute supports artists and cultural practitioners in developing critical and sustainable practices.

Our Mission: Research, Skills, Exchange

To support artists and cultural practitioners through artistic research, mentorship, publications, and collaborative learning, bridging critical inquiry and professional practice.

Connecting Art

We connect artists, researchers, and cultural practitioners through collaborative projects, publications, residencies, and international exchange.

Creativity and Collaboration

We uphold creativity and collaboration as our values, striving to create a nurturing environment that supports artistic exploration and growth.

From Artists to Artists

Our long-term vision is to build an ecosystem of skills and knowledge taught by artists, for artists. We believe in the power of peer-to-peer exchange — where the expertise of one becomes the foundation for another’s growth.

The Journey:

Founded with a commitment to elevating artistic practice, we develop globally accessible online programmes by making research-led training available to creatives at every level, wherever they are.

The Perspective:

WATA Institute approaches art as a form of inquiry. We value research not as a separate academic activity, but as a way of understanding and engaging with cultural, social, and technological questions. Our work is informed by contemporary art, cultural heritage, digital humanities, and interdisciplinary practice.