Profile

The documenta Institut is an independent, non-university research organization  that positions itself as a center for exhibition studies. The central claim for this definition is: anything can be art if it is presented within the context of an exhibition. The documenta Institut serves as an international research hub for questions concerning  the exhibition of contemporary art and simultaneously offers a space for exchange about the art of our time. Independent of the five-year cycle of the documenta exhibitions, the institute attracts people from around the world who work in, are involved with, or are interested in art. Through interventions, the institute engages with local, regional and international public spheres using “public reasoning” formats to address the issues and concerns of contemporary art. Research at the documenta Institut is not only focused on contemporary art exhibitions, but also on research with and through exhibitions.

At the site of documenta, the documenta Institut is also dedicated to the concerns of the documenta project. It takes the history and the evolving present of the documenta exhibitions as a point of departure for transdisciplinary research  to explore the relationship between art, society, and politics. This research addresses a global exhibition format for contemporary art, which, under the concept of a “biennialization of the world,” is seen as a hallmark of a global culture constantly renewing itself through technology, trade, and migration.

Professor Dr. Heinz Bude was appointed founding director of the documenta Institut I in 2020. He is responsible for shaping the institute's program and establishing its organizational structures. In 2021, the University of Kassel appointed three professors for exhibition studies: Professors Liliana Gómez, Felix Vogel, and Mi You form the research core of the documenta  Institut. As faculty members at the University of Kassel, they contribute much of their research work to the institute. They also establish collaborations with partners  worldwide, enter into exchanges with researchers from various global regions, and present their research on various contemporary art platforms.

In contrast to traditional research organizations, the documenta Institut  sees itself as a place for education, experimentation, and public scholarship. It will serve as a meeting point for Kassel’s urban society as well as global art and knowledge communities. Anyone seeking to understand the present state of contemporary society will find themselves in the right place here. The institute develops unique formats inspired by artistic research to fulfill this mission: making people see what is not seen, feel what is not felt, and know what is not known.

Scientific Advisory Board

Von links nach rechts: Sabeth Buchmann, Isabelle Graw, Anette Tietenberg, Anke te Heesen

Since October 21, 2024, the activities of the documenta Institut have been supported by an Academic Advisory Board. The board has initially been appointed for a two-year term. Prof. Sabeth Buchmann has been elected as its spokesperson.

The Academic Advisory Board of the documenta Institut held its inaugural meeting on October 21, 2024. In addition to Prof. Sabeth Buchmann, its members include Prof. Isabelle Graw, Prof. Anke te Heesen, and Prof. Annette Tietenberg. The board's initial term runs until October 2026, with plans for gradual expansion and diversification of membership during this period.

The Academic Advisory Board advises the documenta Institute on its academic direction, key research projects, and overall profile within the research landscape. Additionally, it provides guidance on the Institute's development as an independent research institution.