Institutions by Artists
Fillip Editions, 2012
Paperback, 224 pages, $20

Visiting scholar Kristina Lee Podesva edited this book, which includes texts by CCA alumni Peta Rake (MA Curatorial Practice 2012) and Ola El Khalidi (MA Curatorial Practice 2012). Artist-run initiatives in North America provided a space for the presentation and legitimization of experimental work and for the assertion of socially progressive and politically radical ideas and questions. In making such spaces available, artist-run initiatives have operated alternately as flash points for heated debates and controversies, as well as platforms for social understanding and remaining for their audiences. The book presents a collection of texts addressing the performance and promise of contemporary global artist-run centers and initiatives within the historical contexts that saw their emergence. Texts address centers in Amman, Jordan; Brisbane, Australia; Vancouver; Zurich; Tokyo; and Barcelona. The book is published as part of Fillip's ongoing Folio Series, which presents anthologies of new and previously published questions on international contemporary art.

Podesva organized an international conference of the same name as the book. Sessions of the conference are available for viewing at www.arcpost.ca. The Curatorial Practice alumni involved were Peta Rake (2012), Ola El Khalidi (2012), Matt Post (2009), and Chris Fitzpatrick (2009).

Reports on the conference:
http://new.a-n.co.uk/news/single/new-and-old-futures-talking-artist-self...
http://www.canadianart.ca/features/2012/10/17/institutions-by-artists/