Focal Point: Culture in Uncertain Times 

We cordially invite you to the international conference Focal Point: Culture in Uncertain Times which will take palce on November 7th, 2024.

Annotation

Twenty years after joining the EU, we are facing disinformation campaigns and the rise of a populist style of governance. Society is splitting into smaller ideological units. Culture, art and the non-profit sector play an important role in society as mediators and interpreters, while also providing a safe and inspiring place. Is culture active enough in the development of a healthy civil society? These are the issues that will be debated by the participants of this year’s international conference Focal Point: Culture in Uncertain Times.   

We will present inspiring cultural initiatives from Czech and European regions, and we will also focus on the influence of politics on the functioning of cultural organizations, which may face attempts to limit freedom of expression or censorship. The conference will also emphasize the educational potential of culture, which can transform many pressing issues and extensive data into emotional and inspiring works.    

The conference is organized by the Creative Europe Desk Czechia in cooperation with  ATI – Arts and Theatre Institut and Studio ALTA. It is thematically linked to the Forum on the Future of Culture, which was initiated in 2017 by Teatr Powszechny in Warsaw, Poland and whose Czech part is coordinated by Divadlo Pod Palmovkou.    

The conference will take place on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s accession to the EU, with the support of the National Recovery Plan.   

Panel 1  

The discussion panel „When Political Populism Destroys Culture“ will focus on the impact of this political current on culture in Central Europe. We will discuss how political populism exploits culture to achieve its goals, with a special focus on Slovakia and Hungary. What are the consequences of the takeover of power by populist parties for the cultural scene? And from Poland we will learn how, despite all these obstacles, it is possible to maintain democratic values.   

We will discuss how populism affects cultural work, creativity and cooperation with other sectors. Inspiration will come from Slovakia, where culture has joined with environmental and non-profit organizations, showing new forms of active citizenship. We will focus on the role of culture as a guardian of democratic values and its ability to contribute to their defense in times of political populism.   

Panel 2  

The discussion panel „Culture Activates Local Communities“ will focus on the daily practice of cultural organizations outside big cities where cultural offer is limited. Speakers will present positive examples of how culture contributes to broadening local people’s horizons and understanding of the contemporary world, and how it can help activate local communities and strengthen neighborhood and intergenerational relations.  

How do cultural activities specifically strengthen ties between residents? What new themes do they introduce? What strategies do local organizations use to engage different generations and social groups? And how can culture help to overcome social barriers, create a sense of belonging and a happy life? This discussion panel will offer inspiring examples and practical advice for anyone interested in strengthening communities through cultural action.   

Talks (presentations of inspiring projects and networking)  

Ten personalities will present their work and activities that bring society together. Come and be inspired by stories that openly oppose populism, media manipulation, misinformation and fake news. These stories actively defend democratic values and seek to activate society. Representatives from various organizations will represent a wide range of activities from the fields of culture, sports, politics, the non-profit sector, marketing and technology. Let’s come together to show that even in uncertain times we can think positively, critically and look for a way out.