Mission
KADIST is a non-profit contemporary art organization that believes artists make an important contribution to a progressive society through their artwork, which often addresses key issues relevant to the present day. Dedicated to exhibiting the work of artists—from more than one hundred countries—represented in its collection, KADIST affirms contemporary art’s role within social discourse, and facilitates new connections across cultures. Its local hubs in Paris and San Francisco organize exhibitions, physical and online programs, and host residencies. KADIST stays apprised of developments in contemporary art via a global advisor network, and develops collaborations internationally, including with leading museums, fostering vibrant conversations about contemporary art and society.
English / Français / Mandarin / Español
KADIST is operated in France by an endowment fund called “AKAT – KADIST” and in the United States by two 501c3 called “Artnow International, Inc” and “KADIST Collection Manager, Inc.”
ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
GLOBAL NETWORKS
We support a decentralized field of contemporary art through nurturing connections between artists and curators from various nations and cultures. Through our collaborations across five continents, we’ve recognized that some of the most important artistic voices are to be found beyond our own US and European localities. We co-produce exhibitions in cities as diverse as Cairo, Bangkok or Mexico City, through curatorial collaborations in order to responsibly address the complexity of local cultures.
KEY ISSUES
KADIST programs often highlight a key issue, through presenting the voices of artists who respond to the urgent social and political forces of our time. We recognize artists as some of the most inventive and progressively committed thinkers—celebrating difference and personal expression. While some of the work presented at KADIST may have sensitive sexual, political or religious content, artists must have the freedom to address even the most controversial topics.
COLLECTION
The collection serves as a starting point and resource for our programs. Artists are nominated by a worldwide network of advisors, and artworks selected through a democratic process. This is our primary means of discovering new artists, some without gallery representation, and the collection provides them initial support. With over 2,200 artworks representing 1,400 artists, it serves as a research aid, identifying a transnational group of artists in the vast landscape of contemporary art.
