2 – 3 September 2016

International conference KUNSTHALLEN. Architectures for the Continuous Contemporary in Europe and the US

In contrast to collecting museums the model of the Kunsthalle is characterized by freedom and novelty. Due to its dynamic concept, this institutional format contributes to the formation of contemporary art in essential ways.The conference assembles international guests from diverse institutions and professional fields who will discuss the historical development, political implications as well as the societal positioning of the Kunsthalle. The institution’s role as curatorial field of experimentation, artistic material, and as a platform for transatlantic exchange will be examined as well.

Speakers:
Darsie Alexander, Katonah Museum of Art, New York
Beatrice von Bismarck, Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst, Leipzig
Julia Bryan-Wilson, University of California, Berkeley
Kari Conte, International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP), Brooklyn, New York
Thierry and Bernadette Dufrêne, Université Paris VIII and X
Maija Koskinen, University of Helsinki
Damian Lentini, Haus der Kunst, Munich / The University of Melbourne
Diego Mantoan, Università Ca’ Foscari, Venice
Nick Mauss, Artist, New York
Susanne Neubauer, Freie Universität Berlin
Bernd Nicolai, Universität Bern
Glenn Phillips, Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles
Terry Smith, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sandra Zalman, University of Houston, Texas

This conference is organised by the Department for Modern and Contemporary Art History, Institute for Art History, University of Bern, in cooperation with the Institute for Art History, Basel University and the Kunsthalle Bern.

Image: Sol LeWitt, Kunsthalle Bern, 1972, Installation View
Photo: by Albert Winkler