English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Hebrew
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
- “Almost one third of solo shows in US museums go to artists represented by just five galleries” – (The ArtNewspaper 2017)
- “85% of artists in major U.S. museums are white” – (Cornell University, 2018)
- “Overall, 96.1% of artworks sold at auction are by male artists” – (Fabian Bocart, 2018)
Who is ODBK?
ODBK is an activist organization that aims to create a more equal, diverse, inclusive, transparent and democratic art world. By using alternative economic systems, democracy, participative models like PARECON ( participatory economics) , demarchy and referendums, ODBK builds both offline and online mechanisms to diversify and increase the number of active participants in the decision making which defines the current and future art world.
We want to see a bigger number of active participants in the decision making which defines the current and future art world. By decision making ODBK refers to the ability to influence the selection of artists in art spaces – public or private, known or unknown, the relevance and importance of artists and their works for the art world, cap-prices of artworks, and distribution of public funds for the arts. ODBK argues that this should be done and decided without influence from factors such as income, gender, nationality, social status and any other potentially altering kind of identity.
The ODBK has two main functions. The first is the facilitation of the understanding and appreciation of contemporary art for a wider number of people. This is realized through educational talks, events, and online and offline meetings.The second focus is the support of projects and initiatives that allow for influence on a grassroot level in the decisions that shape the art world and art market. Some of the main mechanisms that facilitates the implementation of the ODBK concept is the Art Market Regulation Commission (AMARC), the Pure Taste Indicator (PTI) and the Equality and Diversity Certification for Musuems and Art Institutions
Our Vision
We strive for an art world that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive, working to ensure a just distribution of wealth and opportunities among all artists and art communities. We aim to offer tools and mechanisms that empower their voices, facilitating participation and contributions in the global art landscape. We strive for an art world where minorities, underrepresented artists, and art communities are seamlessly integrated into what we define as art for current and future generations. Our vision extends to a democratic art world, where the knowledge and experiences of all participants shape its evolution. Transparency is paramount, with no room for variables such as corruption, manipulation, speculation, or nepotism to exert influence.
Our Mission
1) We forge innovative and intelligent systems to challenge and transform the current status quo governing the art world.2) We utilize cutting-edge digital technology tools to create and support ideas and projects that enable all art communities to engage in democratic decision-making.3) We establish new pathways and bridges, fostering connections among emergent artists and underrepresented art communities, allowing them to expand their expressions and actively engage in the art world.4) We construct social and political mechanisms and procedures to safeguard the freedom and expression of all artists, irrespective of religion, social status, income, country of origin, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
