CADA Colectivo de Acciones de Arte

The Colectivo Acciones de Arte (CADA), active in Chile from 1979 to the mid-1980s, was a turning point in the development of contemporary art in the country. Founded by Fernando Balcells, Diamela Eltit, Raúl Zurita, Lotty Rosenfeld, and Juan Castillo, the group emerged during the military dictatorship as a critical response to political and cultural repression. Associated with the "escena de avanzada," CADA merged art and life, challenging both artistic institutions and the authoritarian regime. Their actions blended neo-avant-garde theory with social engagement, seeking to transcend resistance and build a political program through art. Despite its short existence, CADA profoundly influenced Chilean and Latin American art by redefining its relationship with politics and society.