Sustainability
The documenta is one of the most important exhibitions of contemporary art worldwide. Given its role, it has a special responsibility as regards sustainability and seeks to act as a role model. We see sustainable action as an important cross-cutting task.
For us, sustainability goes far beyond environmental sustainability. The most important benchmark for all our efforts is the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the documenta is guided by the three-pillar model of sustainability anchored in the Agenda: Sustainability embraces ecological, economic, and social aspects.
The D16 sustainability concept
In line with ruangrupa’s artistic concept a holistic approach to sustainability was taken for documenta 15. Sustainability was incorporated into all areas of the exhibition’s planning and implementation. Aside from addressing ecological factors there was also a focus on cultural, social, political, and economic aspects. For ruangrupa, togetherness and sharing as well as the exchange of knowledge are essential prerequisites for sustainable development.
Within these areas of activity, various measures and projects were implemented, some examples of which are listed below:
The Sustainability Euro in the ticket which generated a total of 375,000 euros for reforestation projects in Indonesia and Germany
The Solidarity Ticket, which was donated by visitors to allow free admission to documenta 15
Free use of public transport included in the ticket
A strong focus on material cycles in production and infrastructure (recycling and reuse)
Installation of a dedicated food market with a sustainable orientation (regional, vegetarian and vegan, reusable tableware) in collaboration with Kassel Marketing
Separate evaluation / visitor survey on the topic of sustainability