Protocinema is a cross-cultural art organization that commissions and presents site-aware art around the world. Based in Istanbul and New York, we produce critical installations of the highest artistic quality and accessible to everyone. Protocinema evokes empathy towards understanding of difference across regions though: exhibitions, commissions, public programing and mentorship. Founded in 2011 by Mari Spirito, Protocinema is a nonprofit 501(c)3, free of “brick and mortar,” sites vary to respond both to global concerns and changing conditions on the ground.
We believe that art and public programs should be derived from a long-term research process, address current social concerns, be sensitive to how these affect our personal or political beliefs, be open to counter positions and authentic discourse. We are interested in the intersections of cognition and perception, the processes by which people come to their belief systems, and how those ideologies in turn affect our societies and well-being. Our programs introduce new works to new audiences on an intimate grass-roots level across regions. This requires a dedication on the part of both the artist and the Protocinema team on-site, long-term work within local communities where strong relationships and empathy are built.