Beyond the Institution:

In their examination, the author delves into Herbert Read’s 1941 essay ‘To Hell with Culture’, which critiques artistic practice within a capitalist system and its alignment with the structures of art institutions. Read advocates for a transformative approach to art and culture, envisioning it as a force for social change that transcends elitism and exclusivity. Building upon Read’s ideas, the author explores community-centered artistic practices that challenge institutional norms and prioritize social change. Through an analysis of the processes and politics inherent in these practices, they assert that art activism holds the potential to combat the commodification of culture highlighted by Read, while also advancing the ongoing project of democratizing the arts in a prefigurative manner.