Documenta 15 Confirmed for 2022 Despite Pandemic Challenges

Documenta 15 remains scheduled for June 18 to September 25, 2022 in Kassel, Germany, despite ongoing COVID-19 complications. The Indonesian collective ruangrupa, serving as curators, has organized the exhibition around the concept of lumbung—a communal surplus-grain warehouse model emphasizing sustainability and shared resources. Organizers acknowledged that pandemic conditions have forced numerous adaptations since spring 2020, affecting venue selection and artistic preparations. Safety measures include utilizing spacious indoor and outdoor locations alongside digital visitor guidance solutions. ruangrupa member Ade Darmawan noted that while their practices traditionally rely on physical proximity, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of local engagement. The collective's approach integrates diverse models and struggles, demonstrating the relevance of lumbung principles in current global circumstances. In a previous interview with ArtReview Asia, founding member farid rakun expressed that the crisis accelerated their planning process rather than prompting postponement. The Supervisory Board emphasized that planning continues to advance despite the challenges.