Chris Sharp

Bande A Part: On Independent Art Institutions Chris Sharp

Art institutions around the world discuss their mission and struggles

In Bande à part, nine recently formed independent art institutions discuss the missions, means and layout of their respective spaces, which often operate on a small budget while making considerable impact in their respective cities. The book shows how small to mid-scale institutional models depart from the traditional format of the white cube. Each of the institutions offers a statement of purpose for its space and answers a questionnaire about topics such as its imagined audience, the type of art it aims to exhibit, digital presence and other resources. As the founders and supporters of these spaces from around the globe discuss the specific challenges they face, it becomes clear that such institutions can be uniquely responsive to the interests of their communities. Spaces discussed include the Artist's Institute in New York; Lulu in Mexico City; the New Theater in Berlin; P! in New York; and others.