"As an experimental sound maker with a growing desire in interdisciplinary performance making, the Text and Voice retreat was incredibly inspiring. Text is new to my practice and I have always desired to incorporate it in my works and to use it as a tool for facilitation. The exercises and space for creating took my practice into dimensions that I never thought was possible.
I grew to understand and use my own voice in experimental ways led by my musical understanding. Anna is extremely experienced at reading the room and creating space for participants to reveal themselves and maintain their personal and creative agency. I was given time to be curious, but was also led to discover new realms of text, sound and performance making. As a result, I created new works that felt and sounded like nothing I have ever done in the past.
I also deeply connected with the other participant at my retreat. Peer learning, conversations with each other and the fact that we came from different artforms encouraged me to be brave. I am still in awe of the possibilities of art-making; something I was missing for years. I also have a renewed desire to facilitate spaces with others as a central part of my work again. Dreamy, magical time!"
Andrea L. (SINGAPORE - AUSTRALIA) - 2025
Participant of an Art Retreat
I grew to understand and use my own voice in experimental ways led by my musical understanding. Anna is extremely experienced at reading the room and creating space for participants to reveal themselves and maintain their personal and creative agency. I was given time to be curious, but was also led to discover new realms of text, sound and performance making. As a result, I created new works that felt and sounded like nothing I have ever done in the past.
I also deeply connected with the other participant at my retreat. Peer learning, conversations with each other and the fact that we came from different artforms encouraged me to be brave. I am still in awe of the possibilities of art-making; something I was missing for years. I also have a renewed desire to facilitate spaces with others as a central part of my work again. Dreamy, magical time!"
Andrea L. (SINGAPORE - AUSTRALIA) - 2025
Participant of an Art Retreat
"The masterclass program ‘The Art of Holding Space’ (Module 6) was a truly unique experience for me. It embodied a completely different mindset from what I had previously encountered in art education — liberating and refreshing. We have so much to unlearn, and even more to learn from one another. Community over competition — this masterclass deeply emphasized these values.
The space Anna held for us wasn’t about measuring worth by output. I didn’t have to prove that I was enough. There was an unspoken trust from the very beginning, which created room to play, experiment, create, and unfold.
Anna was able to understand my artistic language and use it to encourage and inspire me. I felt seen, held, and supported. It was a life-changing experience that continues to influence every part of my life."
Nóra F. (HUNGARY) - 2025
Participant of Module 6
The space Anna held for us wasn’t about measuring worth by output. I didn’t have to prove that I was enough. There was an unspoken trust from the very beginning, which created room to play, experiment, create, and unfold.
Anna was able to understand my artistic language and use it to encourage and inspire me. I felt seen, held, and supported. It was a life-changing experience that continues to influence every part of my life."
Nóra F. (HUNGARY) - 2025
Participant of Module 6
"What I lived during the 3 masterclasses of beginning 2025, was personally and artistically phenomenal. As I discovered my artistic identity through the great guidance of Anna Adam. As it opened doors for new art forms and thinkings. As I found a continuum in my artistic practice. Throughout the masterclasses, I got stronger foundations (Module 4), a deep artistic blooming (Module 5) and a platform for heritage (Module 6). This was a living experience, along with the other artists. It moved me. It turnt me upside down. It changed me tremendously. Thank you!"
Nastasja O. (BELGIUM) - 2025
Participant of Module 4, 5, 6
Nastasja O. (BELGIUM) - 2025
Participant of Module 4, 5, 6
"School of Disobedience’s “The Art of Holding Space” masterclass, Module 6, came at the right time for me — after months of planning and testing out different workshop ideas, I was craving mentorship and feedback. The space to experiment and collaborate was really useful and inspiring for me. It was also great to be able to support and feedback my colleagues’ workshop frames as well. The experience made me realise how much I miss discussing and collaborating on creative projects after finishing my MFA. The masterclass helped me get back into a creative rhythm and has taken me out of the over-planning state and put me back in creation mode."
Selasie D. (GHANA) - 2025
Participant of Module 6
Selasie D. (GHANA) - 2025
Participant of Module 6
"Group processes can be challenging. Being part of a group comes with responsibility — let alone being the group's leader. Especially when the group consists of various personalities that don’t necessarily align. I was fortunate that during both of my Masterclasses (Module 4 and 6) I had the chance to work with a wonderful and creative group, where I felt heard. Thanks to The Art of Holding Space (Module 6), I learned not only how to be a creative leader, but also how to stand up for myself during such a process. A workshop can be more than just passing on knowledge — it can be an invitation to collaborate, a space for sharing practice and creativity, sometimes a kind of love letter.
Taking part in this course allowed me to discover completely new skills within myself. To name things I had previously only sensed beneath the surface. To try out risky ideas and be honest with myself in doing so. The key to the whole process was exchange. I’m grateful for the people I met during the Masterclasses and for the valuable words I heard about my work. That’s what I imagine feedback should be like! This whole experience gave me the motivation to keep going and — which isn’t always obvious in our educational systems — strengthened my belief in following my own path."
Marcin M. (POLAND) - 2025
Participant of Module 4 and 6
Taking part in this course allowed me to discover completely new skills within myself. To name things I had previously only sensed beneath the surface. To try out risky ideas and be honest with myself in doing so. The key to the whole process was exchange. I’m grateful for the people I met during the Masterclasses and for the valuable words I heard about my work. That’s what I imagine feedback should be like! This whole experience gave me the motivation to keep going and — which isn’t always obvious in our educational systems — strengthened my belief in following my own path."
Marcin M. (POLAND) - 2025
Participant of Module 4 and 6
"A space where I could activate every cell of my concentration, every tissue of my observation, every organ of my focus, every limb of my effectiveness, every patch of my question-marked skin.
A space where I felt at home—where I explored new approaches, new vocabulary, new ways of thinking—and learned how to manage time with greater care and intention.
A space where I never once felt alone. I was consistently held by the supportive energy and caring attention of the kindest group of artists I’ve ever met.
Thank you, Anna, for creating this space for us—and for showing me how to hold space when it’s my turn, and how to be held by others when it’s theirs.
I leave this experience inspired and deeply motivated to continue—both on my own and together again—the journey we’ve just started."
Fruzsi K. (HUNGARY) - 2025
Participant of Module 6
A space where I felt at home—where I explored new approaches, new vocabulary, new ways of thinking—and learned how to manage time with greater care and intention.
A space where I never once felt alone. I was consistently held by the supportive energy and caring attention of the kindest group of artists I’ve ever met.
Thank you, Anna, for creating this space for us—and for showing me how to hold space when it’s my turn, and how to be held by others when it’s theirs.
I leave this experience inspired and deeply motivated to continue—both on my own and together again—the journey we’ve just started."
Fruzsi K. (HUNGARY) - 2025
Participant of Module 6
"It was such a breath of fresh air to take part in ‘The Art of Holding Space’ (Module 6) course with wonderful people who came from very different artistic backgrounds. I’ve learnt and got inspired by not only the lectures and discussions but also taking part in each other’s workshops. The course was really well-structured, gave us hands-on, practical tools and allowed us the room to define, discuss and articulate our artistic ideas and purposes.
The group was extremely open and supportive. Anna fascilitated a space where we could give (and recieve) feedback from each other in an honest and yet respectful way to help each other’s project and artistic growth. A space where we could also talk about sensitive topics that can occur during planning and holding a workshop as well as discuss how autenthicity is important when it comes to art and working with people through art.
It was very inspiring to experience how many different ways there are to create a framework and hold a safe space. I feel blessed to be part of it and ever-grateful for the experience!"
Zsófi R. (HUNGARY) - 2025
Participant of Module 6
The group was extremely open and supportive. Anna fascilitated a space where we could give (and recieve) feedback from each other in an honest and yet respectful way to help each other’s project and artistic growth. A space where we could also talk about sensitive topics that can occur during planning and holding a workshop as well as discuss how autenthicity is important when it comes to art and working with people through art.
It was very inspiring to experience how many different ways there are to create a framework and hold a safe space. I feel blessed to be part of it and ever-grateful for the experience!"
Zsófi R. (HUNGARY) - 2025
Participant of Module 6
"The Art of Holding Space Programme (Module 6) does not only give the opportunity to structure and deepen your creative practices but also to learn to exist within a community. It was a lesson on how to create structures of solidarity and support, how to facilitate a a non-judgemental and open, professional environment. During the programme I was able to experiment, research and deepen my own approach towards sharing my practice and the way I understand my artistic identity. It provided me with tools necessary for creating a frame, finding a method and opening up space for a meeting point where different backgrounds and perspectives can coexist and flourish - complement each other instead of being in opposition. It was also an amazing opportunity to become part of other participants’ processes - to be able to empower, inspire and get inspired — to work together within a group while still maintaining focus on my own professional work and artistic desires. I can highly recommend this masterclass, no matter if you’re at the beginning of your artistic journey or have years of experience. As an emerging artist, the masterclass really helped me to understand what my position is within the art world and how I can establish myself within the community."
Krzysztof P. (POLAND) - 2025
Participant of Module 6
Krzysztof P. (POLAND) - 2025
Participant of Module 6
"The Arts and Text retreat was a total breath of fresh air for me after having not left the UK in five years. It was really refreshing to work with performance art practices in a way that built each layer without overthinking anything. There was a really lovely and nurturing environment created between us as a small group, especially as we exercised and ate together in the mornings and throughout the day. I really enjoyed the build up of being guided through different techniques and practices in order to build our confidence into creating our own pieces. It really felt like a space to experiment and play without consequence, only to learn from everything we did. Being a part of one another's projects was also an enriching experience, getting to see how each of us worked in such a short space of time whilst creating together.
I think I took away from the retreat a feeling of freedom within performance genres, with the confidence to lean into whatever it is that interests me and investigate that without feeling attached to a particular form. I also came away with a level of motivation that I had been struggling to find since graduating from university, and a desire to create spaces and practices through more grassroots, anarchic methods. The retreat lit a fire in me to fight for creative space and for the right to make work at a pace that works for everyone involved. I have since started a movement lab with a friend from university, and allowed myself to take as much time as I need on my creative projects. Anna really inspired me to see performance work as something that evolves in its own time, rather than something we must churn out for a capitalist society."
Erin G. (UK) - 2024
Participants of an Art Retreat
I think I took away from the retreat a feeling of freedom within performance genres, with the confidence to lean into whatever it is that interests me and investigate that without feeling attached to a particular form. I also came away with a level of motivation that I had been struggling to find since graduating from university, and a desire to create spaces and practices through more grassroots, anarchic methods. The retreat lit a fire in me to fight for creative space and for the right to make work at a pace that works for everyone involved. I have since started a movement lab with a friend from university, and allowed myself to take as much time as I need on my creative projects. Anna really inspired me to see performance work as something that evolves in its own time, rather than something we must churn out for a capitalist society."
Erin G. (UK) - 2024
Participants of an Art Retreat
"I learned more in the two weeks of this class than I did during three years of university. I come from a traditional art background and I mainly work with paintings, and over the years I got stuck in my creative process. This course gave me the space and opportunity to experiment, and helped me to ask better questions. It let me be comfortable with not knowing the exact answers, but pushed me to go through with my ideas nevertheless the outcome. And most importantly it gave me the confidence and practical knowledge on how to actually put a performance together with my own unique way of seeing things.
Honestly, over the few weeks I felt lost, beacuse I've been learning about the creative process for several years now, but in the first days, all of that seemed useless when it came to me actually making a piece of my own. I felt frustrated, because it was clear that I lost the ability to follow my intuition. But I got to be a part of a group of artists, I could observe different thought processes evolve right in front of me and it unlocked my own potential.
Most of the courses available today offer the conventional and absolutely useless outdated ideas about what art should be and how it should look like.
No matter what kind of work you do as an artist, it's very easy to fall into the habit to follow what's comfortable and conventional. But that's how you produce boring and lifeless work.
The School of Disobedience is a holy grail for anyone who wants to create something true, wants to learn the practical way of how to navigate the artworld and how the work really gets done. Beacause that's what Ádám Anna does: she get's it done, and she will teach you how to do it for yourself."
Krisztina K. (Hungary) - 2024
Participant of Module 3
Honestly, over the few weeks I felt lost, beacuse I've been learning about the creative process for several years now, but in the first days, all of that seemed useless when it came to me actually making a piece of my own. I felt frustrated, because it was clear that I lost the ability to follow my intuition. But I got to be a part of a group of artists, I could observe different thought processes evolve right in front of me and it unlocked my own potential.
Most of the courses available today offer the conventional and absolutely useless outdated ideas about what art should be and how it should look like.
No matter what kind of work you do as an artist, it's very easy to fall into the habit to follow what's comfortable and conventional. But that's how you produce boring and lifeless work.
The School of Disobedience is a holy grail for anyone who wants to create something true, wants to learn the practical way of how to navigate the artworld and how the work really gets done. Beacause that's what Ádám Anna does: she get's it done, and she will teach you how to do it for yourself."
Krisztina K. (Hungary) - 2024
Participant of Module 3
"This master class broadened my horizons on how I as an artist express myself and my messages. The class consisted of the perfect amount of people. We easily got to know each other and worked with one another in an intimate environment, so I never felt excluded or unheard. Anna was an excellent instructor who facilitated us through different creative exercises that I'd never done before and were a lot of fun. Anna is very passionate and open so you can speak to her about anything, it is a safe space. Her years of experience are well felt when she provided us with the right amount of assistance to help encourage our artistic ideas regarding the creation process for our pieces. It felt so liberating and refreshing to be excited about my art and be in a creative environment. I feel more confident as an artist and motivated to keep going. This program came at such a perfect time for me and I am so grateful for this experience, I'd do it again!"
Daniella S. (US) - 2024
Participant of Module 3
Daniella S. (US) - 2024
Participant of Module 3
"I thoroughly enjoyed the masterclass (Sculpture Theatre and Performing Objects) I participated in at School of Disobedience. The learning process was more than satisfying and the environment was always open and comfortable. Not only have I learned a lot about the different facets of performance art, but I feel I’ve been given the resources to continue on my own path in performance. My eyes have been opened, my creative block lifted, and I’m feeling inspired. Thank you for such a positive experience!"
Letizia D. (Canada) - 2024
Participant of Module 3
Letizia D. (Canada) - 2024
Participant of Module 3
"How to start… As the first thing, I found a new family in the school where support and exchange were the base of our relationship. I grew up a lot, artistically and as a human being, also if the experience was just about three months. I learned to unlearn, to give space to my boundaries and my necessity, I started to understand where I want to position myself as an artist and I'm still working on this. During the first module, I started to develop KISS ME, a long-term project that I would like to bring to different countries and see how it could changes shape. Anna suggested to create an open call for a research laboratory, and I had the opportunity to meet local artists and have an exchange and work with them. During the process, I had the full support of Anna, before and after the process, explained to me how to move through this experience that for me was new. I felt that my project had value from the beginning and it was seen by her, and this is the most important thing. Trust, is one of that things that usually is difficult to receive from teachers."
Flavia A. (Italy) - 2023
Participant of the Arts & Healing Program
Flavia A. (Italy) - 2023
Participant of the Arts & Healing Program
"I am amazed, it's still nourishing me with creative sparks every day... I am thinking a lot about the philosophy and the art of Anna's way of hosting and facilitating - it is inspiring and radical. Pure empowerment."
Julie B. A. (France) - 2023
Participant of an Art Retreat
Julie B. A. (France) - 2023
Participant of an Art Retreat
"Nothing that can be put into words, really! I am still very empowered and inspired. What we created was magical. What Anna is doing is magical, super important and I have a lot of respect because the frame and the space in which these classes take place are really sacred and it is nothing ordinary to be able to create this!! <3"
Veronika W. (Austria) - 2023
Participant of an Art Retreat
Veronika W. (Austria) - 2023
Participant of an Art Retreat
"Just thank you for the individual support and feedback, as well as planting critical seeds onto the society around our field of work (workshops, retreats...). During the days spent there I experienced what it means to have someone believing in my potential so pretty priceless. I felt I could both enjoy space for introspection as well as confronting my ideas with others'. Thank you again. I couldn't have wished for a more eye opening experience."
Rebecca R. (Italy)
Participant of an Art Retreat
Rebecca R. (Italy)
Participant of an Art Retreat
"The time we spent together was truly special, we were surrounded by the care, gentleness, creativity and fun! The most interesting part was the freedom, flexible approach and flowing creativity that was present at the camp! I had no expectations but it was truly something magical and soul touching"
Zira G. (Russia) - 2023
Participant of an Art Retreat
Zira G. (Russia) - 2023
Participant of an Art Retreat
"I would like to thank you again for this cours. It gave me so much hope about the fact that an other (dance) world is possible. It also gave me the will to create again and the determination to do those creative things my own way."
Emma R. (France) - 2022
Participant of an Art Retreat
Emma R. (France) - 2022
Participant of an Art Retreat
"Je crois que je pourrais jamais te remercier assez pour avoir créé un tel espace, vraiment, c'est la meilleure chose qui me soit arrivée cette année!"
Lisa A. (France) - 2022
Participant of the Performance Night
Lisa A. (France) - 2022
Participant of the Performance Night
"This week was intense and passed so fast, I was focusing so much on the creation that I forgot all the rest, it is only now that I'm back in France that I realize how much inspiration, courage and, most of all, empowerment, I took back home. It was not easy for me to be confronted with my fears and doubts, especially about creative process and intuitions, which are things I am not used to speak out. I took this course because I was looking for a missing part that only existed in my intuition, I found it ! And now I'm in love with it and I want to make it grow ... I feel so grateful to you, Roli and the girls, you made me learn to focus and to engage in my ideas, helped me demonstrate that the crazy things in my head and body could actually be so strong and meaningful to the world."
Lynn W. (France) - 2021
Participant of the Healing Garden Program
Lynn W. (France) - 2021
Participant of the Healing Garden Program
"Thank you so much for everything. I walked away from everyone this weekend feeling empowered and on a journey of self discovery after I have share so much intimate moments with you girls."
Charlene G. (Malta) - 2021
Participant of the Healing Garden Program
Charlene G. (Malta) - 2021
Participant of the Healing Garden Program
"I am still full of warmth and inspiration and I cannot thank you enough for everything you did for us!!
I think I had not experienced so much non-judgmental togetherness, as I did in the "School of Disobedience", before, and it was just very empowering.
This summer as well as several times this past half a year, I had been struggling a lot. My education was finished, I had no idea where I was gonna go and what I was gonna do, and I started to doubt everything. Myself for the most part.
And I might have been much better already before coming to Budapest, but this week changed something within me. It made me realize once more what great things can appear, seemingly out of nothing, when there's care instead of competition, understanding instead of judgement and that I am capable of much more than I thought I was.
Since I came back, friends have told me I look different. More balanced somehow, happier. And I am. Because realizing that I wasn't "free" was the first step, which happened some time ago, but now I feel it clearer than ever and now I feel hope that liberation is possible and at this point probably inevitable. We're all very very lucky!
With love, care, and affection."
Marlene A. (Austria) - 2021
Participant of the Healing Garden Program
I think I had not experienced so much non-judgmental togetherness, as I did in the "School of Disobedience", before, and it was just very empowering.
This summer as well as several times this past half a year, I had been struggling a lot. My education was finished, I had no idea where I was gonna go and what I was gonna do, and I started to doubt everything. Myself for the most part.
And I might have been much better already before coming to Budapest, but this week changed something within me. It made me realize once more what great things can appear, seemingly out of nothing, when there's care instead of competition, understanding instead of judgement and that I am capable of much more than I thought I was.
Since I came back, friends have told me I look different. More balanced somehow, happier. And I am. Because realizing that I wasn't "free" was the first step, which happened some time ago, but now I feel it clearer than ever and now I feel hope that liberation is possible and at this point probably inevitable. We're all very very lucky!
With love, care, and affection."
Marlene A. (Austria) - 2021
Participant of the Healing Garden Program
"It was great working with you, discovering what you do and be honest about difficult topics. Great exercices because very concrete, real, and there can be no bullshit, just the truth."
Claire D. (France) - 2021
Participant of the Abbaye Rebels Program
Claire D. (France) - 2021
Participant of the Abbaye Rebels Program