Avtonomi Akadimia is called into existence by the artist Joulia Strauss in honour of the extraordinary educational projects that she had a joy and privilege to be a part of: The New Academy of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg (Timur Novikov †), The German Film School, Berlin (Bernd Willim †), and Sophienstrasse 22a, Berlin (Friedrich Kittler †). Each of these has contributed to creating outstanding communities that gifted the world great technology experts, artists, scientists and philosophers.
Avtonomi Akadimia is inspired by Pythagoras, Aaron Swartz, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, Peter Weibel, Chelsea Manning, Archytas, Nikos Romanos and Sappho.
Avtonomi Akadimia is such a fascinating initiative, blending education, art, and activism in a historically significant space. The emphasis on transcending Western epistemologies by integrating indigenous knowledge is particularly inspiring. How has the project evolved over the years in response to community engagement?