The School of Nonfunctional Studies is an open, informal, and experimental school started by Bivy.
The school is based upon the belief that meaning is not founded in output or productivity or ‘function’ as it is situated in capitalist culture, but that meaning and purpose is actually founded in what is nonfunctional in a capitalist society: interaction, presence, process, and awareness.
Adopting rhizomatic teaching models, it is a learner-driven school that endeavors to create the conditions that allow the crossover of practices and teachings, fostering the co-production, and mutual transmission of knowledge and craft. Every student, participant, teacher and collaborator involved is invited to experiment, practice and learn in a non-judgmental space.
The programing is designed to emphasize the process rather than the product. The programs intend to dissemble the hierarchical, hegemonic structures and systems of teaching and learning. Each course or activity fosters radically imaginative thought and invites participants to experiment with multiple ways of knowing and making.
The School of Nonfunctional Studies is located at Bivy in Anchorage, Alaska, but develops its programs in a variety of platforms. The majority of the programs are offered in English and Italian language.
At the School of Nonfunctional Studies the cost of most of the programs and activities is sliding scale.
The School of Nonfunctional Studies is organized by Alice Mazzarella, Hollis Mickey, Simonetta Mignano & Matt Jemin.