When Accessibility Meets Real Artists Support: XOXO - A Fresh Take on the Christmas Art Market

This Christmas, are you looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season—one that steps away from mass consumerism and embraces solidarity, creativity, and fairness?

The answer is XOXO, an art market like no other. Far from the usual commercial holiday bustle, this is a celebration of art, community, and the power of giving back. XOXO isn’t just an art market; it’s a peaceful act of rebellion built on a vision of justice and support for artists. The event's initiator, Helene Bosecker, makes the foundational principles behind it clearer than ever: “The whole project focuses on a solidarity marketplace offering artists a safe space where everything is just about them, especially when money is involved, and it should go 100% to the artists. The topic of injustice, especially when money is involved, is, I’d say, the main reason why the art market in Berlin is suffering so much. Too many people are profiting off the wrong shoulders, and this shoulder needs to have a different kind of visibility and protection. Ideally, this protection should be fresh, super appealing, and hyper-organized in a professional context.”

Helene Bosecker is a Berlin-based curator and art manager. She founded RAM - Rebel Art Management in 2019 and co-founded Roam Project Space in 2022. With a background in art and philosophy, Helene also lectures on professionalizing the creative industry. In collaboration with Kunstpalast by Stefan Schreyger, XOXO offers a chance to engage with artists and be part of a community that values people over profit.

What makes XOXO stand out from the other traditional art markets?

For one, every euro from the sales goes straight to the artists. No middlemen, no hidden fees—just a clear commitment to supporting the creators. It’s a bold, solidarity-driven approach, and sadly, it’s rare in the art world, especially in a city like Berlin, where creatives often face unfair practices.

The idea behind XOXO is simple: create a space where artists feel safe, valued, and supported. It’s not about exclusivity or elitism. Instead, it’s all about building a community—a space where openness, collaboration, and good vibes take center stage. The artists at XOXO embody this ethos: diverse, talented, and genuinely excited to share their work with you.

Beyond the art, XOXO reimagines what a market can be. It’s a social experience—a chance to connect with like-minded people, sip some champagne, and maybe even rethink what capitalism could look like if it valued transparency and creativity. It’s not about changing the world overnight, but about taking a step toward something better.

Who will you find at XOXO Art Market?

The selection process was guided by a “magic formula” that brought together a dynamic and diverse group of artists, each contributing their unique style and energy. Expect to see works from Axel Bunt, Julius Bobke, Ellen DeElaine, Marta Djourina, Grigori Dor, Anja Fußbach, Adrianne Gojak, Teresa Gruber, Sebastian Kusenberg, Kennet Lekko, Lukas Liese, Mascha Naumova, Kristen Rästas, Victoria Rosenman, Cyrill Tobias, Alicia Valladares, and Illa Wingen. As Special Guest, Works On Skin will be present, offering a unique opportunity to get an original artwork tattooed on your skin, complete with a signed certificate. Don't miss this chance to permanently carry a piece of art with you!

When and where is it happening?
📍 @ASK: Christinenstr. 15 | 10119 Berlin
🗓️ 14.12.2024: 4 PM until midnight (or later!)
🥂 15.12.2024: 12 PM - 5 PM, featuring a Mimosa Brunch

The market will take place at ASK, Christinenstr. 15, a space run by Sebastian Kusenberg—an artist himself, known for his thought-provoking photographic works and wood sculptures.  ASK isn’t just a studio for Sebastian’s own artistic practice; it’s also a space shaped by his vision of collaboration and community. Reflecting on that, Sebastian shared: “I developed this studio for myself, but I was dreaming of creating a collaborative showroom. I’m glad to host the XOXO exhibition and marketplace because I love the concept: many people—artists and collectors—who don’t know each other can use this opportunity to connect.”

So, if you're in Berlin this holiday season, don’t miss XOXO. Bring your friends, check out the amazing collection of affordable artworks, meet the artists, and maybe even find that perfect piece you didn’t know you were looking for. This isn’t just another Christmas market—it’s a celebration of art, solidarity, and the power of community. See you there!

‍

‍