Us
A*DESK, International and Independent Institute of Criticism and Contemporary Art, is the initiative of a group of contemporary art professionals. The mission of A*DESK is to vindicate actively the value of creative thought and to generate debate around art and contemporary culture.
A*DESK: International and Independent Institute of Contemporary Art and Criticism
A*DESK is an international platform based in Barcelona dedicated to contemporary art criticism, cultural training and the dissemination of critical thought. Founded in 2002, our institute works to promote the debate on contemporary art and culture from a transversal, independent and global perspective.
Our mission is to vindicate the value of critical thinking and encourage dialogue between disciplines to understand the social, cultural and artistic aspects of our present.
Directed by Montse Badia (director) and María Muñoz (head editor), A*DESK operates with an open and flexible model. Each month invites editors with total freedom to define contingencies, expand new perspectives, stimulate new perspectives and create an active space of experimentation, collective work, learning and shared reflection.
Contact us to learn more about our programs and activities.
What we do at A*DESK?
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Edition and criticism of contemporary art
Publish articles, essays and monographs on contemporary art and culture, addressing topics of current relevance and also recovering historical perspectives.
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Advance studies
From international workshops to programs specializing in contemporary art and critical thinking, we offer a learning and professional space.
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Cultural dissemination and communication
Our weekly agenda makes the city’s main cultural events visible and promotes research projects, seminars, courses and audiovisual programs.
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Experimentation and collaboration
We incorporate new disciplines and digital formats – interviews, videos, photo galleries – to enrich the artistic conversation.
Check our Agenda Cultural so you don’t miss the news.
History of A*DESK
The beginnings (2002 – 2006)
Founded in Barcelona by Montse Badia and other critical professionals in 2002, A*DESK launched a digital publication focused on critical reflection and art curating. During the first years, it will bring together a documentary collection of articles carried out by leading professionals in the sector.
Internacional expansion and training (2006 – 2009)
With the launch of 2006, the magazine expands its focus, integrating criticism and opinions on contemporary art in a broader sense. In 2007 the first international workshops begins in cities such as Recife, Lima, Madrid and Santiago de Compostela, encouraging the participation of new generations.
Consolidation as a independent institut (2009 – 2014)
In 2009, A*DESK is established as an Independent Institute of Contemporary Art and Criticism. From Barcelona, we strengthen our editorial and training task, developing innovative projects and expanding our digital communication lines.
Recent evolution (2014 – current)
With a renewed board, A*DESK strengthen criticism in depth and expand its community of collaborators, incorporating new sections with Spotlight in 2017 and establishing alliances with academic institutions such as the University of Barcelona and the UAB for the translation and dissemination of contents.
Recognitions and Collaborations
A*DESK‘s career has been recognized with relevant awards and nominations:
- GAC Award 2010
- Finalist of the IMPULSA Awards 2021
- Finalist of the ACCA Awards 2022 (Artistic Projects and Initiatives)
Our team has the collaboration of international translators, critics and curators, consolidating A*DESK as a global reference in contemporary art criticism.
Join our critical community
In A*DESK we believe that contemporary art is a driver of critical thinking and social transformation. We invite you to be part of our activities, either as a reader or collaborator.
Do you want to participate in our workshops, seminars or projects?
A*DESK
A*DESK is an International Institute of Criticism and Contemporary Art based in Barcelona. Since 2002 we have been working in publishing, training, cultural dissemination and critical thinking at a global level.
