Artist-Run Democracy: Sustaining a Model: 15 Years of 126 Gallery

Artist-run galleries are vulnerable to public-policy cycles, voluntary effort, and lack of opportunities, but they offer a progressive and experimental platform for cultural safe havens. This publication examines the workings of 126, an Artist-run gallery in Galway, Ireland, as a benchmark, borrowing from Scottish initiatives. It explores the grounds for this mode of organizing within the self-organized culture of the art sector and may serve as inspiration and discussion for those committed to organising in the visual arts and beyond.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2022
Publisher: Onomatopee

Off-the-grid from commercial galleries and canonical institutions, artists instigate grass-roots cultural safe havens to deliver progressive and experimental art. However, they face significant challenges, including public-policy cycles, voluntary effort, and lack of public support. This publication examines the workings of 126, an Artist-run gallery in Galway, Ireland, as a benchmark. 126 is unique in its board conception, program decision-making, director rotation, and remote positioning to the global art market. It has sustained its project for over 15 years, offering inspiration and discussion for those committed to organizing in the visual arts and beyond.

Dimension: 241 x 171 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789493148734