The phenomena of artists' platform and artists' initiative have been gaining in popularity and strength over recent years, in the Netherlands and beyond. Artists form groups and organize themselves in order to change something in the local, regional, or national environment, or in order to create work together. Shifting Map asks to what extent these artists can play a role in a society in flux. Shifting Map contributes to the wide-ranging international debate about western and non-western art, social engagement, cultural identity, and the dominant visual culture. The book does not simply focus on a purely theoretical discussion, but also provides anchoring points and pause for thought for artists, curators, and policy makers. Besides texts and images by the artists' initiatives and artists' platforms themselves, the publication includes essays by philosopher Reinaldo Laddaga and art critic Charles Esche which examine the significance of artists' initiatives, the artistic debate, and its significance in the worldwide field of art. Shifting Map is a publication by the RAIN Artists' Initiatives Network, a network of artists' platforms and initiatives in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that was set up by former residents at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam.