Organismo is an independent study program developed as an experimental initiative by TBA21–Academy and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. It weaves together research, theory, and speculation through applied case studies to foster regenerative interventions facilitated by various forms of alliances. Recognizing the pivotal role of artists in revitalizing interdisciplinary approaches, the program seeks to ignite cultural paradigm shifts by envisioning new, complex, and inclusive ways of inhabiting the planet.
Carried out between 2023 and 2024, the first iteration of the program –Organismo Year Zero– was itself a prototyping initiative where we tested parameters, hypotheses and organizational structures through six case studies:
ALTAMIRA, facilitated by Museo Nacional y Centro de Investigación de Altamira – Subdirección General de Museos Estatales, Dirección General de Patrimonio Cultural y Bellas Artes – Ministerio de Cultura.
IMMERSIVE NARRATIVES, facilitated by TBA21–Academy
SUQ CENTENO, facilitated by Plata (in collaboration with Fundación Daniel y Nina Carasso)
TERRITORIO ABADÍA RETUERTA, facilitated by Abadía Retuerta
ARQVA, facilitated by ARQVA Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática – Subdirección General de Museos Estatales, Dirección General de Patrimonio Cultural y Bellas Artes – Ministerio de Cultura.
UNITED NATIONS OCEAN CONFERENCE, facilitated by TBA21–Academy
These cases were developed by interdisciplinary groups of practitioners from various fields in close collaboration with scientific and technical experts, community collectives, and representatives of several partner institutions.
This section of TBA21 on st_age presents a selection of elements of the investigations carried out by each case study group, offering open access to their exploratory processes—ideas, exercises, debates, and gestures—that have shaped their speculations and proposals. Rather than final outcomes, these files reflect ongoing research and development. Through this approach, we aim to create an entry point to the accumulated knowledge gathered during the program, making resources available to anyone interested in fostering deeper engagement with the contexts and themes explored in each case. Both all the produced materials and accompanying texts here shown have been produced by the case study group members.
The independent study program of Organismo | Art in Applied Critical Ecologies is an initiative by TBA21–Academy and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. It acts as a platform developed by multiple collaborators. Its Year Zero had the following partners: Abadía Retuerta, Fundación Arquia, Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (FECYT) – Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Atelier itd, Plata (in collaboration with Fundación Daniel y Nina Carasso), Sónar+D, and the national museums ARQVA Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática and Museo Nacional y Centro de Investigación de Altamira – Subdirección General de Museos Estatales, Dirección General de Patrimonio Cultural y Bellas Artes – Ministerio de Cultura.