Our commons are free, a project by artist Ben Kinmont explores the rich history and lasting influence of the San Francisco Diggers – the radical community actors who emerged within the countercultural movement of the 1960s. Exhibiting the group’s innovative street sheets and printing operations, Kinmont tracks the Diggers’ push for new societies based on “free” ideals of individualism, community care, and a rejection of consumer capitalism.
Founded in 1966, the Diggers evolved from street theater to establish free zones based on their “Death of Money” philosophy. The exhibition traced the evolution of Digger publications from early broadsides through the Communication Company’s underground press to the Kaliflower newspaper. Kinmont’s 40-foot timeline piece illustrated the group’s artistic and political history; while his new film, Saints Paradice, drew from never-before-seen footage of the Angels of Light Free Theater. The exhibition included a free store offering texts about the Diggers’ history.
Ben Kinmont activated his Street Press at Minnesota Street Project (July 12, 2025) and Fort Mason Night Market (July 18, 2025), printing and distributing free Digger publications. Saints Paradice screened at the Night Market. On July 24, 2025, actor Peter Coyote, an original Digger member, joined Kinmont for a conversation at the Cowell Theater. The closing weekend (August 9, 2025) featured archivist Eric Noble’s guided tour, Beaver Bauer discussing Angels of Light costumes, and a staged reading of Digger texts.
Ben Kinmont (b. 1963, Burlington, VT) is an artist, publisher, and antiquarian bookseller whose work explores alternative systems of exchange, archival methodologies, and social sculpture. His project-based practice involves distributing materials outside traditional art world channels. He founded Antinomian Press in 1995 to circulate free books and ephemera. His work has been exhibited at Whitney Biennial (2014), Documenta 11, ICA London, and the 25th International Biennial of Graphic Arts.
From June 22, 2025 to August 10, 2025, Fort Mason Art presented Our commons are free. The Exhibition marked the debut of Fort Mason Art’s summer arts programming in The Store House.
Ben Kinmont:
BenKinmont.com
AntinomianPress.org
Kinmont.com (bookseller)
BKinmont@gmail.com
Peter Coyote
PeterCoyote.com
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