Things We Do Together: The Post-Reader

More about the book

"Things We Do Together. The Post-Reader" is a collection of essays and conversations with practitioners, grounded in the experiences and observations of long-term processes at the intersection of art, education, and activism. Collaboration transcends mere collective resource management; it can disrupt existing systems in both the art world and daily life, where capitalism and extreme individualism undermine communities and exacerbate social inequalities. Artists, activists, researchers, and educators initiate social situations globally, creating their own institutions where existing ones fail. Their collective actions prioritize community engagement, often occurring outside traditional gallery spaces. They view art as a tool for community building rather than commodity production, basing their practices on research and long-term collaboration, emphasizing exchange, generosity, and trust, while embracing the associated risks. They challenge market laws, advocate for group work, solidarity, and gift economies, redefining art and hacking systems. This collection features experiences from practitioners in Ukraine, Poland, Indonesia, Mexico, the USA, and Brazil, serving as a roadmap of attitudes, guidance, and inspiration for action. The publication stems from the exhibition-meeting "Gotong Royong. Rzeczy, które robimy razem" at the Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art in late 2017 and early 2018.