BE.TIME SCA Andalusian Non-Profit Cooperative Society

Bee Time is an art and research collective initiated by Karmit Even-Zur (UK), Jorge Gallardo (ES) y Pol Parrhesia (BG). Our interest lies in creating contexts where people can exchange knowledge and practices relating to natural beekeeping. To do this we hold an annual residential program for artistic research around natural beekeeping, promoting the development of thought processes and creation based on shared questions.By using practices of contemplation and imagination as a way of gaining new perspectives into the world of the honeybee, artists are invited to learn about bees and explore the possibility of creatively engaging with the hives within their landscape. During our time together we aim to introduce to the artists a bee centered approach to beekeeping, and a regenerative approach to the landscape.

Based in Santa Lucia, Vejer de la Frontera, on the Atlantic coast of Southern Andalucia, where we have initiated a learning community with beekeepers interested in providing a space for bees to grow strong colonies, without thinking about exploiting their products. Bee Time residencies take place both in Santa Lucia and internationally, which enables us to build bridges between our local learning community and natural beekeeping processes established in other countries.

We consider artistic work as a tool for inspiring change, creating resonances in the natural and social environment. Our actions relate to a creative (re) learning of the cultural memory, establishing a relationship of permanence and belonging to the environment. The processes generated in the Bee Time artist residencies are used to create conversation within Spanish and European networks for ecological restoration, the promotion of artistic activity in relation to nature in rural contexts, and to the practical development of natural beekeeping.