Despina is an independent cultural organization committed to develop platforms for research, production and exchange in the fields of art and cultural activism.

Despina runs an international art residency programme alongside a dynamic agenda of exhibitions, workshops, courses, performances, talks, film screenings, among other activities. Despina is also responsible for the concept and management of Compa – Women’s Archive,  the first digital archive fully dedicated to the memories, herstories, struggles, accomplishments, the micropolitics and daily revolutions of women and the feminist movement in Brazil.

The projects developed by Despina are based around the following proposals:
– create a lively and supportive environment for the development and exhibition of contemporary art, instigating critical thinking
– facilitate experimentation and innovation in contemporary art practices by stimulating dialogue between artists and across cultures
– support and strengthen connections between art and activism
– widen access to contemporary art, fostering the participation and visibility of historically marginalized agents.

Despina has developed collaborations with several organizations and institutions across the globe, such as Goethe Institut, Central Saint Martins – University of the Arts London, Diagonale Arts and the Arts Council of Montreal, Fruitmarket Gallery and the British Council. Despina is also a member of the Network Partnership of the Prince Claus Fund.

***