We are Strategies of Relationality, a self-organised, para-academic learning commons. Together, we investigate how to navigate contemporary political, economic and ecological complexities in relationally meaningful ways. As an open, horizontal and organic body in becoming, we are fostering social and contextual engagement by the means of practice-based and alternative education.
The foundation for our learning commons was established in November 2019, when Curdin Tones, Diogo Rinaldi and Johannes Reisigl initiated the public seminar series Strategies of Relationality at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam. Offering a co-responsible space for collective reflection and exchange on topics of the commons, open source and collaboration, the seminars sought to open up the existing institutional discourse still focused on individualistic, studio-based artistic production.
Driven by these events, several tutors, students and other participants decided to build on the conversations established during the seminars. Utilising the apartment of Johannes as a meeting place, we started to develop a framework for horizontal engagement and built a curriculum of educational activities together. Despite being forced into the digital realm by the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, we continued learning with and from each other, simultaneously weaving a network of mutual care and support.
In August 2020, Strategies of Relationality had its first public appearance during the Gerrit Rietveld Academie Graduation Show. Since Johannes had offered his personal exhibition space, we together developed the para-academic classroom and curated a diverse public program inviting friends and collaborators. Additionally, this show was the first occasion to test and share our performative textile piece with the audience.
Following the show, we were invited for a residence at Buurtwerkplaats Noorderhof. Due to new protective measure announced by the Dutch government in October 2020, we soon had to put this engagement on hold. Instead, we got the opportunity to participate in ALL INN at Het HEM. Prior to this exhibition in April 2021, we decided to review our archive in order to develop this website as an interface to share and connect with interested publics.
Are you curious to find out more about us? Are you interested to engage in our activities or experience what our meetings are like? Do you have any questions or want to reach out? Learn about our approach, browse through active and former contributors or get in contact!
