Off Tropics builds upon a longer history of artist-led cultural infrastructure in Chiang Mai.
Its origins can be traced to e x t a n t a t i o n (2016–2019), an independent platform co-founded by Tara Transitory that supported experimental practice, artistic exchange, residencies, performances, screenings, and public programmes. Operating from Chiang Mai, e x t a n t a t i o n provided a space for artists, curators, researchers, musicians, and cultural practitioners to develop projects, conduct research, and engage in dialogue outside institutional frameworks.
Between 2016 and 2019, the platform hosted artists and researchers from across Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia, and Japan, including Bettina Knaup, Zarina Muhammad, Kakushin Nishihara, Tan Vatey, Sinta Wibowo, Shian Law, Hung Tzu Ni, FRAUD (Audrey Samson & Francisco Gallardo), and Hai Anh Trieu. Activities ranged from residencies and performances to screenings, workshops, lectures, and research presentations.
Several programmes were realised with the support of organisations including the Goethe-Institut, Japan Foundation, and Australia Council.
Following a period of transition, a new chapter began in 2024 with the acquisition and renovation of a stilt house in Nong Khwai, Chiang Mai. Initially developed as a living work base for the activities of Nguyễn + Transitory, the space gradually evolved into a site for hosting visiting artists, researchers, writers, composers, filmmakers, curators, and cultural practitioners.
Off Tropics emerges from this lineage.
While smaller in scale and intentionally self-directed, it continues a commitment to hospitality, artistic exchange, experimentation, and the creation of conditions in which sustained cultural work can take place. Rather than operating as a conventional residency programme, Off Tropics provides a living work environment that allows residents to shape their own time, process, and objectives.