The Democracy Lab for Visual Arts (D-Lab) is a temporary, physical outpost for the Organization for the Democratization of the Visual Arts (ODBK), operating for the duration of Documenta 2027. Occupying a dynamic space of 30–60 sqm, the D-Lab will function as an active, public-facing think tank and participatory forum dedicated to addressing and developing solutions for issues of equality, diversity, inclusion (EDI), transparency, and democracy within the global art ecosystem. It is designed to be an intervention into the traditional art viewing experience, transforming passive consumption into active, democratic co-creation. Our core deliverable is a set of publicly generated, actionable Protocols for an Equitable Art World.

Core Activities and Public Engagement

The D-Lab is built on a model of continuous, multi-modal engagement:

  • The Agora (Lectures & Discussions): Structured daily sessions featuring invited speakers and open-mic discussions focused on specific EDI and transparency challenges (e.g., Fair Artist Pay, Decolonizing Curatorial Practice, Board Diversity).
  • The Workshop Forum: Hands-on sessions to draft policy frameworks, create mock institutional bylaws, or develop alternative funding models, directly involving public input.
  • The Pure Taste Indicator (PTI): A high-traffic, participatory installation. The PTI is a voting/feedback mechanism where visitors can anonymously or openly evaluate artistic merit, institutional practice, or market transparency using quantifiable metrics, providing a real-time, public-sourced ‘evaluation’ that challenges top-down critical authority. This activity provides immediate data for discussion.

OPEN CALL for Artists, Activists, Curators, Art Historians, EDI experts, Researchers, NGO’s, Institutions, etc.. to be part of the D-Lab program.

ODBK is launching an Open Call for artists, cultural workers, art professionals, researchers, academics, activists, and EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) experts working at the intersection of art, equality, diversity, inclusion, transparency, participation, and democracy.

We invite individuals and collectives to propose and lead a one-day D-Lab session during documenta 16. Selected contributors will be responsible for facilitating the space for 4, 6, or 8 hours through activities such as lectures, workshops, discussions, surveys, participatory formats, performances, collaborative research, or other experimental approaches.

Proposals may address topics including, but not limited to:

  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
  • Transparency and accountability in the arts
  • Democracy and participation
  • Activism and social change
  • Decolonization
  • Feminism and gender equality
  • Mental health and wellbeing in the arts
  • Artists and communities from underrepresented backgrounds
  • Minority voices and cultural representation
  • Accessibility and inclusion
  • Alternative and outsider practices
  • Community-led and participatory art
  • Equity and social justice in cultural institutions

We particularly welcome proposals that challenge existing structures, foster dialogue, encourage participation, and contribute to building a more inclusive and democratic art world.

Interested?

Click here to complete the application form with your proposal. We will review submissions on a rolling basis and get back to you as soon as possible.

We look forward to hearing your ideas and collaborating with you at D-Lab during documenta 16.

Interested to join this project as co-organizer?

Send us a message to info (at) odbk (dot) tk  or using our contact page