DOCUMENTA FIFTEEN AND IT’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

documenta fifteen becomes part of the network for sustainable material circulation. On July 23 and 24, 2021, documenta fifteen hosted a symposium on material circulation within the arts and cultural sector. The temporary nature of art exhibitions results in the short-term implementation of resources, which is why documenta fifteen has become involved in the subject of sustainable material distribution.

DOCUMENTA FIFTEEN AND IT’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

For this occasion, representatives of documenta fifteen, ruangrupa, and various German-speaking initiatives dealing with the circulation of materials, came together for a symposium to discuss the potential of sustainable methods of distribution and their implementation.

 

The aim is to build a network of collectives and initiatives to tackle the reuse and dispersal of materials. Here, the exchange of knowledge, motivation, and experience is as important as the sharing of material resources. Particular attention will be paid towards providing a platform for the groups involved and, ultimately, the foundation of an umbrella organization.

documenta fifteen’sArtistic Direction is led by ruangrupa. Founded in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2000, the collective’s work is based on a holistic social, spatial, and personal practice strongly connected to Indonesian culture, in which friendship, solidarity, sustainability, and community are central. “ruangrupa” translated freely means “art space” or “spatial form.”

We want to create a globally oriented, collaborative and interdisciplinary art and culture platform that will remain effective beyond the 100 days of documenta fifteen. Our curatorial approach strives for a different kind of collaborative model of resource use — in economic terms but also with regard to ideas, knowledge, programs and innovations.”

For the fifteenth edition of documenta, ruangrupa’s curatorial approach focuses on principles of collectivity, resource building, and equitable distribution. Attempts will be made to consider and implement, where possible, sustainable processes for the entire exhibition in terms of both social aspects and environmental issues.

 

The collaboration entails: using shared resources, designing venues, the implementation of workshops for the transfer of knowledge, the preparation of materials for further use and distribution to the network, and the use of common resources.

 

documenta fifteen will take place from June 18 until September 25, 2022 in Kassel.

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