The exhibition project „FOR FREE“* (artists are not working FOR FREE), initiated by artist Daniel Man and supported by the Kunstfonds Foundation, is tailored to the pandemic era. It incorporates a large number of fellow artists and is conceptually based on solidarity. Nearly 100 artists present their works (of a uniform size) collectively in the premises of Galerie Andreas Binder. The exhibition symbolizes the cohesion within the artistic community and serves as an attempt at a collective artistic stocktaking and overcoming of the most severe crisis in 70 years.

The exhibition title *“FOR FREE“**, which at first glance suggests that something is being given away for free, already highlights the difficult working conditions of artists through the added clarification „Artists are – not – working for free.“

Even before March 2020, earning a livelihood was already a precarious challenge for most cultural workers. However, the pandemic has further intensified this issue. Governmental compensation programs, with varying degrees of financial support, have exacerbated the division between different professional sectors. While collectively organized lobbyists of so-called “job-relevant” industries loudly make their demands heard, culture—often perceived as a fragmented community of individualists lacking political leverage—remains the neglected fifth wheel in society.

The cultural sector consists of a vast number of independent artists who operate without unions or lobbying groups. Yet, their strength lies in their ability to work communicatively, spontaneously, creatively, and with extensive networking. „FOR FREE“ seeks to highlight this reality and expose the precarious situation of artists. The curatorial roots of Daniel Man are clearly evident in this project: his background lies in the graffiti movement, which has always been defined by networking, collaboration, and global communication.

Both the exhibition concept and the individual works of the artists within Daniel Man’s diverse circle of colleagues center around making visible the processes and transformations that have taken place under the severe restrictions since March 2020.

The participating artists have put into words some of the challenges and changes they have faced during the crisis. Virtual technology within the exhibition makes these personal yet often universal experiences accessible to all visitors.

A unique strategic feature and the core symbolic element of this solidarity-based exhibition is the equal distribution of all sales proceeds among all participating artists—an act that underscores the spirit of collective support.

https://www.galerieandreasbinder.de/forfree

https://www.artnet.de/galerien/galerie-andreas-binder/-for-free-artists-are-not-working-for-free-/

https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/ausstellung-gemeinsam-statt-einsam-1.5293971

https://www.muenchner-feuilleton.de/2021/05/28/galerie-andreas-binder-for-free/