Alliances Otherwise: Solidarity, Relation, and The Art of Giving

What does it take for alliances in the art world to last beyond funding cycles and institutional agendas? Organized by the initiative A4CT (Artivism for Critical Thinking), this event brings together three guests from different universities and fields to explore the question through solidarity, curatorial practice, and the changing economic conditions of art. Alexander Supartono (Edinburgh Napier University, Taring Padi) speaks about how solidarity has shaped Taring Padi’s artistic and political practice, and how it can become a basis for progressive alliances. Patrizia Costantin (Aalto University) explores how relations might evolve into alliances through relational curatorial practice, while holding on to the complexity of biennials as both sites of spectacle and encounter. Tero Nauha (Uniarts Helsinki) examines how the shift towards neo-mercantilism is reshaping the value of art and art education, and what this changing landscape means for artistic freedom and agency. The event will be moderated by Giovanna Esposito Yussif (Artistic Director of Museum of Impossible Forms). Free entry, no pre-registration. Curated by: Iria Arenas Promotion and design by: Mreethmandir Event location: Kuutio, 2nd floor Event date: 22 November 2026 Event time: 16.00–19.00 Event organizer: Artivism for Critical Thinking, Helsinki Central Library Oodi The event was selected through Oodi’s open call for events: https://oodihelsinki.fi/en/facilities/organize-an-event/