Artgrupper

Artgrupper are organized groups of visual artists, designers, and sometimes performers who collaborate on projects, exhibitions, and shared studio space. The term is commonly used in Nordic countries and other European contexts to describe collectives that operate outside traditional gallery structures. They may be informal networks or formal associations, often with non-profit or cooperative governance.

Typical features include democratic decision-making, shared authorship, rotating leadership, and collective responsibility for finances, programming, and administration. Some artgrupper run or co-own spaces such as galleries, studios, or studios-for-residents; others curate exhibitions in borrowed venues or public spaces.

Activities commonly include group exhibitions, collaborative installations, performances, artist talks, and education or outreach programs. Cross-disciplinary collaboration with music, theatre, design, and community groups is common. The emphasis is often on process, experimentation, and negotiated authorship rather than individual sales.

Funding structures vary: member dues, grants, sponsorships, crowdfunding, and sometimes sales from group shows. Because many artgrupper operate outside the mainstream market, they can provide early exposure for emerging artists and create opportunities for experimentation and risk-taking.

Regional context: In Nordic countries the term artgrupper is widely used to describe artist-run collectives and spaces; worldwide equivalents are called artist collectives, cooperative galleries, or artist-run spaces. Notable examples exist across different periods and regions, reflecting changes in art funding, education, and social practice.