Artistic Freedom under the Auspices of the Institution – the example of the Student Centre Gallery in the period between the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1970s

Abstract

The author discusses the political and social context that made progressive and critical art practices possible in the communist Yugoslavia at the turbulent end of the 1960s. Concentrating on the example of Student Center and SC Gallery in Zagreb, one of the most important venues for the beginnings of conceptual art in Croatia, Kiš gives an overview of the conditions that influenced the development of critical art thought during the years when criticism was not welcome in most countries with communist regime. These conditions include political decisions that lead to open cultural policies and the institutional financing of cultural projects which enabled a number of individuals to make use of these opportunities and create the "space" for new art practices in Croatia. A special emphasis is given to cultural connections with Italy as a showcase for intercultural collaboration with Yugoslavia during the 1960s and 1970s.