This conversation will examine the work of artist run initiatives and alternative spaces. We will briefly talk about the history of artist-run spaces from the 70’s onward and discuss the different approaches that artists have used to self-organize and create resources and opportunities for each other. Artists Xander Marro and Pippi Zornoza will talk about their own history of organizing and sharing space at the Dirt Palace, a feminist live/work space inthe Olneyville neighborhood. The Dirt Palace was founded in 2000 out of a sense that participation and success in the arts was often not based on merit, but deeply affected by various intersections of identity. Over the past 20 + years the Dirt Palace has grown to include two facilities, and multiple residency and exhibition programs.

Participants will each be asked to do some “in session” internet research on specific artist-run initiatives from a list and share out what was inspiring or interesting about their history and approaches. Together we will consider what is possible when artists come together to pool resources, energy, ideas and space.