Hable Studios

Sharing this for anyone considering applying to their residency program.

I attended a two-week self-directed residency program and decided to withdraw half-way through; I met with the directors the next day to talk and what I experienced was something so childish… master manipulation 101.

Elena played victim and deflected, even went as far as calling me “violent” for stating I didn’t want to engage with her until a third party was present because of how domineering and immature she gets (making faces at me while I talk, exaggerating details to the point of changing the narrative, not letting me leave nor giving me space. This is someone who dismisses you in normal conversation so imagine when disagreement is involved). I didn’t raise my voice, or even use many words, if anything she was the violent and controlling one and I was extremely uneasy in her presence. The icing on the cake and where I lost it and had no doubt they were playing games is when they claimed I was disrespecting them because I stated that I felt cheated that they don’t respect the schedule *they* provided. Which is true…. By week 2 day 1 they were constantly running late, one of them was missing half the time (working elsewhere and then complaining about how tired she is when around), not adhering to the schedule, taking personal courses during our set discussion time, trying to start the day after the scheduled day is over, etc… but when it came to gathering content for social media they were on top of their duties. Somehow stating this fact is disrespectful, and though they admitted I’m not the first to bring it up, apparently it is my fault because as they put it “I don’t know their culture”... They also boasted helping me find an apartment which I later found out I was charged double what the space is rented out to others (could have been an honest thing on their end but after a couple comments made about money/not using their resources and how I feel they operate their business, my opinion is tainted. Sticking to the facts, I was told my price was still less than a hotel. Unbelievable.)… They talked apology and at the very same time insisted it’s my fault I didn’t chase them down enough and don’t know how things work. As if I never operated a program or project of my own. Also reminder that the person I traveled here for was missing half the time and not once saw what I worked on despite there being a program in place. The one time we had a one-on-one it was at 7pm on a Friday, and even then my work was never seen because there wasn’t enough time and I had an appointment with a subject for my work to which I was late. I missed two opportunities to meet with subjects because their schedule that they don’t even adhere to! Somehow they can’t see how there’s a flaw in their system but what really irks me is how they respond.

Disagreement happens, and lacking accountability is debatable, but trying to gaslight me for having a poor experience under their program was completely unnecessary and low. Like they said, I’m not the first to have an issue with their lack of time management. If you’re looking for professional and ongoing support during your stay and don’t want to be gaslit for calling someone out you’re already in contract with and paid to be available, I recommend looking elsewhere.