MANIFESTO

Waterbed is protected waters,

it’s rest, it’s regeneration,

it’s resistance, it’s liberation

and it’s fun, it’s a party!

01 * We are multidisciplinary artists

We float between all sorts of mediums, from crayons to canvas, cameras and excel sheets. There is no format that doesn’t excite us. We express ourselves through painting, zine making, writing, workshop facilitating, community organizing, and whatever else we feel like.

2 * We go by our own rules

Our creations do not need to be obviously political. Our creations do not need to be beautiful and validated by others.

They need to feel real and aligned with our values and objectives.

They need to be as close to freedom and liberation as possible.

03 * We exist in community

Collaborative work is at the core of our action, in order to stay connected to our community and our surroundings. We do not believe we can exist in a vacuum.

Our borderless creativity is only real when it becomes part of society’s fabric. We aim to weave ourselves into humanity’s remaining pockets of air through our publications.

Waterbed aims to be a safer space for critical thinking and counterculture.

04 * We stand against any form

of discrimination

This is not a space that tolerates moral superiority from anyone.

We stand against classism, xenophobia, misogyny, racism, fatphobia, islamophobia, anti-semitism, ableism, ageism and any kind of behaviour that discriminates.

Having said that, we also do not promote any organised religion. We welcome anyone that is willing to follow our guidelines and treat all other humans with kindness and respect, regardless of their life choices. - Allies are welcome.

05 * We welcome informal forms of

knowledge & expertise

We are aware of the privilege of knowing the feminist theory that helps us in our process of liberation. Not everyone has the mental and emotional energy, or even access to that knowledge, and that shouldn't mean they are not allowed in feminist spaces.

This is a space of forgiveness, open to ignorant questions, and respectful debates. We can’t stand political correctness and other upper class left feminisms that end up dividing us even more.

Moreover, we share our inspirations, resources, and favourite things with each other. We name drop with kindness and not disdain.

06 * We welcome failure

This is a space where failure is encouraged, because learning is what we value most. We aim to expand our minds through exploration, following curiosity and ultimately dissolving our limitations.

07 * We get compensated fairly

Our definition of success goes far beyond capital, but it doesn’t ignore its value and necessity.

We do not demonize money, as it’s what keeps us safe and allows us to continue our social work in the capitalist society we can’t afford to ignore.

We consider a project successful, when it results in more freedom, love, inspiration, knowledge and growth for everyone involved.

Furthermore, each of our creators is able to profit from their work and decides what kind of compensation they request for each creation.

08 * We are the intersectional feminist

future we keep dreaming of

You don’t have to present in any kind of way to be accepted by us. Bring your green hair, your hijab, your beiges, your tweeds or your feathers. Be feminine, androgynous or masculine, neither or all of the above.

We feel a need for truly diverse humans to come together and inspire one another. We want to host fiery debates, hard conversations and triggering workshops. We want to rest in the community and have fun without policing each other. We want to be a safer place for growth, friendship and collaboration.