Auto Italia South East hosts heated debate on art's postcapitalist potential amid London tensions

In August 2011, Auto Italia South East in London facilitated a dialogue featuring theorists Mark Fisher and Marina Vishmidt, part of the series titled 'We Have Our Own Concept of Time and Motion.' The gathering drew artists and leftist activists in the wake of the recent riots in London. While Fisher, known for his book 'Capitalist Realism' (2009), and Vishmidt intended to discuss art's significance in a postcapitalist world, the conversation shifted to Auto Italia's role as a national portfolio organization of Arts Council England, receiving £50,000 annually. Richard John Jones led the discussion, probing the independence of self-organization in a neoliberal context. Activists voiced concerns over the venue's gentrification, while Auto Italia, established in 2007, promotes underrepresented artists and politically charged events.