Shaping the Future of Art: The Power of Community
As part of Notagallery's Berlin Art Week programming, a panel discussion brought together Lígia Falcão Boueres, co-founder of Blue Lobster; Savanna Fortgang, artist and curator; and Michel Niknafs, curator and entrepreneur. Moderated by Pasquale Marino, co-founder of MAE Community, and Ivan Gette, artist and founder of Notagallery, the panel explored the evolving relationship between art spaces and their surrounding communities. The conversation underscored a shared belief: art is more than an object—it is an experience that fosters connection
Notagallery x MAE Community Panel Event. Courtesy of Anna Sepiashvili.
The Need for Inclusive Platforms and Community Spaces
Savanna highlighted one of the key challenges for artists today: the need for platforms that provide space and confidence. “One of the hardest things as an artist is to feel like you have a platform,” she said, emphasizing the importance of inclusive spaces. Michel, inspired by Berlin’s club culture, stressed the value of reclaiming spaces for the community, bringing the inclusive, immersive energy of nightlife into the art world.
Notagallery x MAE Community Panel Event. Courtesy of Anna Sepiashvili.
The Evolving Role of Galleries in the Art World
The panel also addressed the evolving role of galleries. Lígia noted the fragmentation between artists and buyers, emphasizing the importance of bridging different art scenes. By fostering connections between emerging talent and established galleries, the art world can become more accessible, breaking down the barriers that have historically kept communities apart.
Notagallery x MAE Community Panel Event. Courtesy of Anna Sepiashvili.
The Irreplaceable Value of Physical Art Experiences
Ultimately, all agreed that while digital platforms play a role in curation, the physical experience of art remains irreplaceable. Events and shared experiences, not just objects, will shape the future of the art scene, bringing people together in ways that online interactions cannot replicate.
Ivan Gette at the Notagallery x MAE Community Panel Event. Courtesy of Anna Sepiashvili.
