On Feminist and Collective Organization from 1970s New York until Today

with Cittipunkt e. V., Dandan Liu (APAL), and Hannah Kruse (Goldrausch)
Moderated by Sofie Krogh Christensen

Bringing together voices from different generations and contexts, the panel explores feminist and collective modes of organization in the arts—from the trailblazing networks of 1970s New York to contemporary initiatives in Berlin. It also reflects on how such structures continue to evolve in response to shifting political, cultural, and economic realities. Inspired by Kazuko Miyamoto’s formative years as an early member of A.I.R. Gallery in New York—the first artist-run space for women and later non-binary artists in the USA—the discussion will revisit how forms of organization in the 1970s and 1980s sought to reshape artistic production, solidarity and visibility. By fostering a space where women artists could present their work throughout those decades, Miyamoto helped lay the groundwork for future generations of artist-led and collective organizing.

Together, Berlin-based participants Cittipunkt e. V., Dandan Liu (Asian Performing Artists Lab, APAL), and Hannah Kruse (Goldrausch Künstlerinnenprojekt) will share insights from their respective practices in supporting feminist, queer, and diasporic artistic communities, and reflect on past and present strategies of care, empowerment, and representation. 

Asian Performing Artists Lab (APAL) is an independent platform organized by Asian artists for Asian artists. It offers Germany-based performing artists with Asian backgrounds the opportunity for creative exchange, experimentation, and collaboration. APAL operates in two directions which work in tandem: the artistic and the social.

Cittipunkt e.V. is a collective- and artist-led non-profit association based in Berlin. The premises consist of an event and exhibition space, as well as a library, kitchen, bar and hang-out area. Cittipunkt e. V. provides a public space for cultural work, self-organising and   learning. The organisation hosts and organises a public programme of exhibitions, film screenings, reading groups, talks, discussions, workshops, and offers spaces for internal meetings and working groups.

Goldrausch Künstlerinnenprojekt is a comprehensive programme devoted to the professionalisation of emerging women and FLINTA artists. With the point of departure in the participants’ own artistic work, a one-year postgraduate course conveys the specific professional skills and information that are needed to cope with the complex demands of independent artistic activity. The goal is for each participant to develop an informed perspective on how they self-confidently shape their career in the arts.