BERLIN.- Art for All is an exhibition project dedicated to an ideologically bound movement of artists propagating the democratization of society and the art market. The movement is still active today. It began in the 1960s, when artists were seeking independence from existing institutions, while also producing affordable art for as wide an audience as possible. Multiples – original works of art reproduced in large quantities that circumvented the rules of traditional art – were both the means employed and symbols for an approach that had been influenced by cultural and social policies. The Staeck Collection, which includes both the Edition Staeck and works by comparable initiatives and publishing houses, is itself a unique form of documentation for this direction in art.

A wide variety of activities arising from the interplay between art and politics, including the legendary “Intermedia ’69” festival, the “3. Bitterfelder Konferenz” and the formulation of alternative art fair models, become key focuses of Art for All.

The exhibition, which incorporates the most diverse aesthetic styles, offers insights into the history of such artistic departure, and also presents a portrait of a non-conformist generation of artists. During a period of profound social upheaval, these artists put their trust in the critical, enlightening and utopian powers of art, while permanently contributing to the shape of its formal language.

Art for All exhibits graphics, objects and art books by numerous artists who supported this model for democratization, including Joseph Beuys, Marcel Broodthaers, Christo, Hanne Darboven, Kirsten Klöckner, A. R. Penck, Sigmar Polke, Rosemarie Trockel and Wolf Vostell.

Public discussions and an educational program will accompany the exhibition, shown at the Hanseatenweg venue. The project is supported by the German Federal Agency for Civic Education.