Artist-run initiatives in North America provided a space for the presentation and legitimization of experimental work and for the assertion of socially progressive and politically radical ideas and questions. In making such spaces available, artist-run initiatives have operated alternately as flash points for heated debates and controversies, as well as platforms for social understanding and remaining for their audiences. "Institutions by Artists: Volume One" presents a collection of texts addressing the performance and promise of contemporary global artist-run centers and initiatives within the historical contexts that saw their emergence. Texts address centers in Amman (Jordan), Brisbane (Australia), Vancouver (Canada), Zurich (Switzerland) and Tokyo (Japan), Barcelona (Spain), among others. The book is published as part of Fillip's ongoing "Folio Series" which presents anthologies of new and previously published questions on international contemporary art.