SAVVY Contemporary's LABO*R Project Channels Medu Art Ensemble's Anti-Colonial Legacy

SAVVY Contemporary in Berlin has introduced LABO*R: AN INVITATION TO ACTION… A BASIS FOR HOPE, marking the second phase of its yearlong TRANSITIONS initiative. This project delves into the realm of cultural production and the experiences of cultural workers, inspired by anti-colonial movements. It draws from the legacy of the Medu Art Ensemble, which opposed apartheid in South Africa from 1976 to 1985, opting for the term "cultural workers" over "artists." Featuring over 40 contributors, including artists, filmmakers, archivists, and musicians, the project encompasses workshops, film screenings, readings, and performances. Curated by a German team, it seeks to present anti-colonial struggles as a continuous narrative rather than mere "mummified fragments" (Fanon). The exhibition is part of the 15-month TRANSITIONS program, supported by Die Beauftragte der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien.