At the Ecology and Art Conference 2024, hosted by METU University in Budapest, I had the opportunity to give a keynote exploring the intersection of collective authorship and de-growth within creative practice.

Creative processes are rarely, if ever, individual acts. Artists, designers, and writers are shaped by cultural contexts, collaborative environments, and the broader productive structures that enable their work. Yet, modern concepts of authorship remain closely tied to individual attribution - essential for both recognition and systems of value in science, the arts, and the economy. This creates a fundamental tension that continues to be critically examined across disciplines.

In my talk, I addressed how artist and craft collectives have challenged and redefined authorship, sometimes by intentionally stepping outside individual attribution systems. Drawing on examples from activist and creative communities, I discussed four key dimensions of collective authorship: Anonymity as a form of resistance, A pluralistic worldview and shared decision-making, The relationship between creative practice and productivity, Property, access, and participation in authorship

Through these lenses, I considered how collective authorship can serve as a counter-model to capitalist structures, particularly by resisting conventional measures of productivity and ownership. I argued that collective authorship has the potential to align with de-growth principles, offering alternative pathways for sustainable and socially engaged creative work.

I’m grateful to METU University for the invitation and the chance to be part of such a timely and relevant conversation.
More about the conference: https://www.metubudapest.hu/ecology-and-art-conference-2024