Mierle Laderman Ukeles’ “Manifesto for Maintenance Art 1969!”
Artists have been standing up for the environment for a long time. We remember Mierle Laderman Ukeles' "Manifesto for Maintenance Art 1969!", which challenges traditional distinctions between art and maintenance work. In her manifesto, Ukeles describes an art practice that reveals the invisible labor of daily upkeep and care — in domestic spaces, public spaces, and institutions. (Below are some of our favorite excerpts, but click the link for her original spacing and the full version!)
Ukeles was also a resident in New York City’s Department of Sanitation (DSNY) for about 40 years in a totally unpaid position for most of that time. Ukeles is one inspiration for MJN’s art practice and resources on composting. Check out youth activist group Veggie Nuggets’ PSA on the topic here.