Performance by Yehwan Song: Enhanced, 2024, MMCA, Korea. Photo: Seunghyuk Park, MMCA
Gathering – a seminar on the conditions of independent art spaces and initiatives
Join us for a two-day gathering to experience independent artist and curator run spaces and initiatives from Asia, Sweden and Denmark. Across Asia, several countries have experienced rapid growth and huge societal transformations in recent years. Coupled with a deep-rooted tradition of self-organization in the arts, the continent is a hotbed for independent art. As independent spaces and initiatives play a vital part in the development of artists as well as the artistic ecosystem, Gathering – a seminar on the conditions of independent art spaces and initiatives wish to examine the current conditions for independent spaces of today.
Since AHC works to support artists and artistic production it is a great pleasure to be hosting the gathering that will bring together people from across continents to share knowledge and exchange ideas, fostering collaboration and inspiring new pathways for creativity and innovation.
During a two-day programme, you can experience a vibrant art scene and participate in discussions where we will share knowledge and exchange ideas centred around independent art spaces and their conditions in today’s global societies. The programme welcomes artists and curators from different countries in Asia, Sweden and Denmark, who will present new ideas and critically examine the challenges of sustaining independent artistic initiatives. Through lived experiences, dialogue, and knowledge exchange, the seminar seeks to challenge existing structures and open new possibilities for independent artistic practice.
On the first day, you are invited to take part in a dynamic programme of formal and informal conversations, presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and live performances that explore the intersection of local realities and global currents, highlighting the agency of artists and curators navigating shifting cultural landscapes.
Gathering is open to all. It is especially relevant to artists, curators, art industry professionals and everyone with an interest and curiosity in independent organizing and contemporary art.
Gathering is organized by Art Hub Copenhagen (AHC) in collaboration with independent curator, Vanini Belarmino. As part of the programme, a special South Korean performance programme is curated by AHC in collaboration with the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, South Korea (MMCA).
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PROGRAMME
All day I Performance Lemon Loewe Distribution
Artist: boma pak (South Korea)
09:30 – 10:00 | Coffee, Croissants & Networking
A moment to connect before the sessions begin.
10:00 – 10:15 | Welcome Remarks
Speakers: Jacob Fabricius & Vanini Belarmino
10:15 – 11:15 | Foundations for the Future: Artists & Curators Shaping Creative Ecosystems
How do local histories, geographies, and communities influence independent art spaces? What strategies help maintain local engagement while fostering global connections? What financial and structural models support independent creative spaces?
Speakers:
- Charlie Co, Orange Project (Philippines)
- Elena Tzotzi, SIGNAL (Sweden)
- Mook Attakanwong, ATT19 (Thailand)
- Liza Ho, The Zhongshan Building & BackroomKL (Malaysia)
Moderator: Vanini Belarmino, Belarmino&Partners (Singapore)
11:15-11:45| Performance: Afterbody
Artist: Kim Suhwa (South Korea)
11:45 – 12:15 | Break
12:15 – 13:00 | Keynote Conversation: Political Discourses & Representation in the Arts,
Part 1 Exploring the intersection of politics, art, and institutional representation.
Speakers:
- Tawanda Appiah, Skånes konstförening (Sweden)
- Yang Chia-hsuan, Absolute Art Space (Taiwan)
Moderator: Paola Paleari, Curator and Writer (Italy)
13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch
14:00 – 14:45 | Breakout Session: Strengthening Artist-Run Spaces and Initiatives
Four discussion groups will be led by artists/curators to discuss how independent spaces can thrive in the community and through collaboration. Each session includes a 10-minute presentation followed by an open conversation with the audience.
Hosted by:
- Jette Gejl Kristensen, KH7 (Denmark)
- Jari Malta, Collega and Fuxia2 (Denmark/Sweden)
- Jennifee-See Alternate (Denmark)
- Adeline Kueh and Hazel Lim, Critical Craft Collective (Singapore)
14:45 – 15:00 | Return to Main Room
15:00 – 15:45 | Creating Alternative Institutions
A series of lightning talks followed by a roundtable discussion on establishing and sustaining independent art institutions.
Speakers:
- Christian Vindelev and Markus von Platen, Simian (Denmark)
- Marti Manen, Index - The Swedish Contemporary Art Foundation (Sweden)
- Lo Shih-Tung, Open-Contemporary Art Center, OCAC (Taiwan)
Moderator: Jacob Fabricius, Art Hub Copenhagen (Denmark)
15:45 – 16:15 | Break
16:15 – 16:45 | Performance I’m aging like a Russian nesting doll
Artist: Yehwan Song (South Korea)
16:45 – 17:30 | Keynote Conversation: Multiple Practices and Representation in the Arts
Speakers:
- Martin Wendelbo and Regen Li, Tofu Collective (Denmark)
- Jeph Lo, The CubeProject Space (Taiwan)
Moderator: bluestockings (bs), Curators (Denmark)
17:30 – 18:00 | Reflections & Closing Remarks
What insights have emerged from the day’s discussions?
Speakers: Jacob Fabricius & Vanini Belarmino
18:00 – 20:00 | Community Dinner
An informal gathering to exchange thoughts and ideas.
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All day I Performance Lemon Loewe Distribution
Artist: boma pak (South Korea)
10:00 – 10:15 | Welcome Remarks
Speakers: Jacob Fabricius & Vanini Belarmino
10:15 – 10:30 | Reflections on the performance program
Speaker: Yonghee Sung, Kim Suhwa, boma pak, Yehwan Song and Beum-Kyu Choi, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (South Korea)
10:30 – 11:30 | Performance: Had Time Yet Part 2
Artist: Beum-Kyu Choi (South Korea)
11:30 – 12:15 | Expanding Possibilities: Creating Spaces within Constraints
How do artists and curators in Singapore carve out room for experimentation and independent initiatives within structural and spatial limitations? This session explores adaptive strategies, innovative programming, and sustainable models that make space for contemporary art in a city with high constraints on land use and institutional support.
Speakers:
- Ashley Chiam, Supper House (Singapore)
- Adeline Kueh & Hazel Lim, Critical Craft Collective (Singapore)
Moderator: Vanini Belarmino, Belarmino&Partners (Singapore)
12:15 – 13:00 | Lunch
13:00 – 13:45 | The Role of Experimental Spaces in Local Communities
How can independent art spaces thrive in their local contexts? And what value do they generate for communities, and vice versa?
Speakers:
- Andreas Führer, Institut Funder Bakke (Denmark)
- Elin Lundgren and Petter Pettersson, Lilith Performance Studio (Sweden)
Moderator: Christian Skovbjerg Jensen, Museet for Samtidskunst, Roskilde (Denmark)
13:45 – 14:00 | Closing Reflections & End of Seminar
Speakers: Jacob Fabricius & Vanini Belarmino
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PRACTICAL INFO
Gathering – a seminar on the conditions of independent art spaces and initiatives
4 - 5 April 2025
Art Hub Copenhagen
Thoravej 29
2400 Copenhagen NV
Coffee, tea and lunch is included in the programme both Friday and Saturday.
Please notice, the seminar will be in English.
You’ll find information on transportation and accessibility at Thoravej 29 here: https://cdn.sanity.io/files/o0gogd4q/production/f8b4b9daf9a75c6199fa5ed43453234e0b2d5697.pdf
TICKETS
Take out your ticket for Friday here.
Take out your ticket for Saturday here.
Friday night dinner can be bought separately here.
