Documenta 15 Appoints Indonesian Collective ruangrupa as First Collective Artistic Directors

For the first time in its history, Documenta will be curated by a collective rather than an individual. The Indonesian artist collective ruangrupa, founded in 2000 in Jakarta, will lead the artistic direction of the 15th edition, scheduled from June 18 to September 25, 2022, in Kassel. This unprecedented decision, unanimously approved by Documenta's advisory board members Elvira Dyangani and Philippe Pirotte, aims to broaden perspectives beyond a Eurocentric view of art. The collective, represented by members Farid Rakun and Ade Darmawan, plans to create a globally oriented, interdisciplinary art and culture platform with impact beyond the event's 100 days. Their curatorial focus will address contemporary wounds caused by colonial, patriarchal, and capitalist structures worldwide, confronting these models with partnership-based, likely community-driven, alternatives. The advisory board justified the selection by citing ruangrupa's demonstrated ability to reach diverse communities beyond typical art audiences and promote local engagement. The five-yearly exhibition's shift to collective leadership marks a significant institutional move towards decentralization and expanded artistic discourse.