* Please notice, this ticket gives you access to the first seminar day of the two, Friday 4 April, 2025 (dinner not included)

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).

~

PROGRAMME

DAY 1 | Friday, 4 April

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 and vice versa? What structure or system of support enables you to fulfil your vision as an independent creative space? What impact or legacy do you imagine building for the future?

• Mook Attangkawong, ATT19 (Thailand)
• Liza Ho, the Zhongshan Building and the Back Room (Malaysia)
• Charlie Co, Orange Project (the Philippines)
• Elena Tzotzi, Signal (Sweden)
  
  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)
• tbd, Jennifee-See Alternate (Denmark)
• Adeline Kueh and Hazel Lim-Schlegel, 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) tbc

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.

~

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/394780bfe1e525cbff2bf99347702ea950455d2c.pdf

TICKETS

Take out your ticket for Saturday here: https://billetto.dk/e/gatherin...

Friday night dinner can be bought separately here: https://billetto.dk/e/gatherin...