Publication
PARTICIPATION:
ART FOR THE WORLD 1995–2016
Edited by Adelina von Fürstenberg
Published by Mousse Publishing on the occasion of the twenty-year anniversary of the non-governmental organization ART for The World, this publication presents the prestigious organization’s activities during the period 1995 to 2016.
Inspired by the Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “Everyone has the right to take part freely in the cultural life of the community, [and] to enjoy the arts,” ART for The World is a bridge between art and society—a museum without walls. Founded in 1995 in Geneva in the context of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, its activities involve the participation of artists and filmmakers from around the globe. In conceiving its international traveling art exhibitions, performances, film productions, and concerts, the NGO merges ethics with aesthetics to build cross-cultural relationships and promotes education, well-being, and sustainability. In 2005 its sister NGO, ART for The World Europa, was established in Turin as its rhizomatic expansion. The activities of both organizations are based on the ideals of human rights, including dignity, freedom, peace, and solidarity.
256 pages, English
Softcover, 16,5 x 23,5 cm
ISBN 9788867492237
€ 28
PDF download of PARTICIPATION book
The book presents all ART for The World projects divided into 4 chapters: When Art meets the UN, Interpreting Sustainability, Global South, and Art for The World Europa.
The many projects of the NGO’s twenty years include works by some of the most important and influential artists of our times from all corners of the world, including Marina Abramović, Vito Acconci, Sheba Chhachhi, Wim Delvoye, Katharina Fritsch, Jia Zhang-Ke, Ilya Kabakov, Anish Kapoor, Los Carpinteros, Jannis Kounellis, Joseph Kosuth, Jafar Panahi, Robert Rauschenberg, Barthélémy Toguo, Nari Ward, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Robert Wilson, Ulay, Hema Upadhyay, Chen Zhen and many others. With cover by Romanian artist, Dan Perjovschi, the book is enriched with forwards and texts of many distinguished contributors, including artists, architects, art historians and critics, journalists, and curators. The 256 page, 325 image book highlights the platforms for meaningful exchange and dialogue that lie at the intersection of art and society developed by ART for The World.
CHAPTERS
The first chapter, When Art meets the UN, situates ART for The World as a bridge between the innovatiove, imaginative and ingenious spirit of the arts and the missions of international organizations. Art can break down prejudice, reaching beyond borders and confines of religion, race, nationality, language and gender. Its universal language make it a cornerstone for the UN's most cherished values. The exhibitions and films highlighted in this chapter were done in association with various agencies of the United Nations.
In the second chapter, Interpreting Sustainability, ART for The World is presenting and promoting art projects centered on intangible assets of participation, endowment, and resilience, has made culture sustaniability 's fourth domain, while also bringing important issues to the fore. Some of the many themes explored in these projects include the right to education, the right of children to be able to play freely, topics related to food, and health, while confronting gender issues and the female condition.
Chapter three, Global South, focuses on artists, artworks and issues from the collective nations of Africa, Central and Latin America, and Asia, including Middle East. These countries comprise nearly 160 of the 384 recognized states in the world and account for theer-quarters of the world's population, yet they have access to only one-fifth of the world's income. The people living in theses countries face some of the hardest challenges of the millenium, yet at the same time present immense hope and oppotunity in their emerging potential for economic growth and cultural developpment. ART for The World's Global South projects in the last twenty years have focused on the Mediterranean countries, India, Latin America (mainly Brazil), and most recently Africa.
The final chapter is entitled ART for The World Europa. Founded in 2005 in order to expand ART for The World's mission, ART for The World Europa can be seen as its outgrouwth or rhizomatic expansion. Its interdisciplinary approach with respect to critical discourse in various spheres includes collaborations with universities, institutions, and various organizations that all share a common goal to develop awareness and understanding, build bridges between art and society, and raise public attention surrouding the issues that inspire and challenge society. Exhibitions, highlighted originated in Milan, Isola Madre at Lago Maggiore, Venice, Marseille and Thessaloniki, with many continuing as travelling shows to other parts of the world.
PARTICIPATION is available for sale online from Mousse Publishing.