The Art Activism Archive is composed of the archives of activist artists Dmitry Grin, Evgeniya Zubchenko, Matvei Krylov (Skif), and Tatyana Sushenkova, gathered from 2009 to 2017 in Moscow, St Petersburg, and other Russian cities.

Featuring photos and videos taken on professional as well as amateur cameras, the archives contain documentation of art activism, performances, interventions, events, lectures and discussions, workshops, punk concerts, and poetry readings, as well as institutional and independent exhibitions and other art projects. Subjects cover a wide spectrum of grassroots initiatives, such as minority support projects, women’s rights, solidarity with political prisoners, and environmental issues. The archive contains unique footage of the preparation of actions and other projects and gives insight into the daily activities at artist studios and squats‑exhibitions, rehearsals, parties, concerts, activist and art trips.

Part of the archive is devoted to the documentation of important socio‑political events, such as the ecological and political protests in Khimki Forest and at Chistye Prudy, mass rallies and marches in Moscow, street actions, picketing, clashes with the police and ultra‑right activists, court trials, and campaigns in support of political prisoners.

Along with photographs and videos, the archives contain printed and electronic documents including press releases, event programs with lists of participants, exhibition labels, interviews, zine layouts, posters, sticker designs, press clippings, budget estimates, floor plans, timelines of political and art events, as well as leaflets, banners, sketches, and other materials used in protests.

About the artists:

Dmitry Grin (b. 1976, Moscow) is an artist and activist.

Evgeniya Zubchenko (b. 1984, Moscow) is a photographer, videographer, and activist.

Matvei Krylov (Skif) (b. 1989, Gay, Orenburg Oblast) is an artist, photographer, videographer, and activist.

Tatyana Sushenkova (b. 1978, Moscow) is an artist, photographer, videographer, and activist.

Акция «Жизнь без царя» на Болотной площади в Москве. Фото Татьяны Сушенковой