Collection Rert

The Neo-Dada Art Experiment

Collection Rert is a testament to passion projects taken to their most delightfully absurd extremes. Operating out of a private residence in Austin, Texas, this not-for-profit art space is dedicated to "uncommon cultural experiences." Founded in 2004, Rert has evolved through various iterations and locations, always maintaining its commitment to experimental artist shows, site-specific installations, and quirky pop-up projects. The name itself, "Rert," is a deliberately awkward, neo-Dada nonsense word, setting the tone for the unique and often bewildering art it showcases.

The Science Bear Arcade: A Curbside Oddity

Perhaps the most iconic manifestation of Rert's unique spirit is the Science Bear Arcade. This curbside vending machine, operating only on fair-weather days, is a "buffet of fun junk" offering art, comics, music, toys, books, and mystery items. Visitors are invited to name their own prices, stuffing cash into a bear's mouth or donating virtually. It’s a perfect blend of freegan scavenging, art vending, and pure, unadulterated whimsy, embodying the Rert ethos of "why would anyone do this?"

A History of Homegrown Art

From its humble beginnings in an upstairs garage apartment with a comically narrow hallway, Rert has been a fluid entity, passed between curators who each left their mark with puppet shows, concerts, and interactive works. Since 2017, it has found a home within the private residence of curators Amanda hb Jones and Chad Hopper, utilizing a room and outdoor space. The space also houses the RE-aRT workshop, further supporting artists. Supported in part by Austin's Cultural Arts Division, Rert continues its 20+ year commitment to anti-commercial, home-invading experimentation, funded by the generosity of its community.