Artist-run initiatives in North America provide a space for the presentation and legitimization of experimental work and for the assertion of socially progressive and politically radical ideas and questions. In making such spaces available, artist-run initiatives have operated alternately as flash points for heated debates and controversies, as well as platforms for social understanding. Institutions by Artists: Volume One presents a collection of texts addressing the performance and promise of contemporary global artist-run centres and initiatives within the historical contexts that saw their emergence.

The texts address centres in Amman (Jordan), Brisbane (Australia), Vancouver (Canada), Zurich (Switzerland), Tokyo (Japan), and Barcelona (Spain), among others. The book is published as part of Fillip’s ongoing Folio Series, which presents anthologies of new and previously published essays on international contemporary art.