In the organizer's words:

NON-PRODUCTIVE READERS is a reading group for informal conversations about art, cultural theory and experimental writing. Initiated by BRYONY DAWSON in 2022 and named after the essay The Non-Productive Attitude by Josef Strau, the group explores themes of passivity, ambivalence, failure and refusal as essential aspects of creative and institutional practice. Past readings have included texts by Lisa Robertson, Jean Genet, Tiqqun, Clarice Lispector, Katrina Palmer, Jalal Toufic, Gertrude Stein and Seth Price.

The reading group meets during the breaks between exhibitions. The selected texts are thematically linked to experiences and impressions of the previous exhibition and at the same time provide an introduction to the content of the next project.

The discussions will mainly be held in English, with whispered translation and German text versions available. No prior knowledge of art or cultural theory is required - just the motivation to read and think together.

Each session is dedicated to a specific text, so there is no obligation to attend the entire series. Silent listeners are always welcome.

To receive the reading material, please register at:
readinggroup@halle-fuer-kunst.de

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In the 4th session on 19.02.2026 we will read:
Maurice Blanchot, The Infinite Conversation (excerpts), 1969/1991

In conjunction with the exhibition program of the Halle für Kunst Lüneburg, which is currently negotiating practices of archiving and collecting, Bryony Dawson has selected two chapters from Maurice Blanchot's The Infinite Conversation to reflect on the plurality of voices, encounters across differences and interruptions that open up new perspectives.