Focal Point: Culture in Uncertain Times
International conference Focal Point: Culture in Uncertain Times took place on November 7th, 2024 at Divadlo pod Palmovkou (Zenklova 34, Prague 8 – Libeň).
The conference for professionals actively working in the cultural sector and for all those interested in the current state of the world affecting culture.
Annotation
The international conference Focal Point: Culture in Uncertain Times reflect twenty years after joining the EU, when 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?
The conference presented 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 also emphasized the educational potential of culture, which can transform many pressing issues and extensive data into emotional and inspiring works. The debates took place in two discussion blocks (translated to English) in which a number of interesting personalities will speak.
In the evening, the debates were followed by the popular short presentations of ten inspiring Talks (in Czech only). All the speakers shared inspiring stories that actively defend democratic values and are the best examples that even in uncertain times we can think positively, critically and look for a way out.
Recording of the discussion panel – When political populism destroys culture:
The conference eas organized by the Creative Europe Desk Czechia in cooperation with ATI – Arts and Theatre Institut. It was 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 took 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.
PROGRAMME
What are the results of long-term surveys such as satisfaction with life, trust in institutions, household economic situation, attitudes towards international politics and climate change? Against the backdrop of the figures, you will hear the story of how Czech society has been affected by major events in recent years, such as the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and the arrival of Ukrainian refugees. Where do we stand today as a society in terms of interpersonal trust, attitudes towards the EU or attitudes towards the green transformation of the economy?
The question of how the Czech cultural scene can react to the current situation will then be passed on as a baton to the next parts of the programme.
In my keynote, I want to share a very recent Slovak experience with the destruction of cultural institutions. It is a story about these strange „times of war“, although our wars so far are hybrid and cultural. It will be a somewhat surreal and somewhat retro story about the return of the mechanisms and the vocabulary of an era we condemned thirty-five years ago. But it will also be a story about how you can fight back, how creativity, professionalism and unexpected solidarity can be helpful.
The discussion 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?
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.
Hosted by:
Zuzana Tvarůžková – Journalist and moderator (Spotlight at Aktuálně.cz)
Speakers:
- Ivana Rumanová – Cultural anthropologist and curator, Open Culture! Platform (Slovakia)
- Genovéva Petrovits – Film producer, Kino Alfa (Hungary)
- Marceli Sulecki – Co-founder of Center for Inclusive Arts/Teatr 21 (Poland)
Kateřina Šedá is a Czech artist whose work focuses on socially conceived events involving the general public. Experiments with interpersonal relationships aim to bring participants out of stereotypes and change their point of view.
The discussion will focus on the daily practice of cultural organisations outside big cities, where cultural offer is limited, while opening up a space to discuss the role of education in developing critical thinking and empathy in young people. Speakers will present positive examples of how cultural activities contribute to broadening horizons, understanding the contemporary world and activating local communities. We will also address how culture and education help to overcome social barriers and create a sense of belonging among people of different generations.
Guests will share their experiences in strengthening community life, promoting neighbourhood relations and interaction between different social groups. The role of media education and what new strategies cultural and educational organisations are using to engage young people in promoting active dialogue will also be discussed. We will offer inspiring examples and practical advice for all those interested in strengthening communities through culture and education.
Hosted by:
Tereza Havlínková – Moderator (Vlna at Radio Wave)
Speakers:
- Markéta Hrdličková Málková – Director of the Rezi.dance artistic residence house for performing arts in Komařice, South Bohemia
- Jan Kvasnička – Director of the Cultural Centre of Ústí nad Labem
- Karel Gamba – Teacher at the Archbishop’s Gymnasium in Kroměříž
Eleven personalities will present their work and activities that bring society together.
- Society for Creativity in Education: Culture and creativity as a tool for transforming education and civic participation of children and young people in decision-making
- Memoria – Initiative for the dignified use of the prison in Uherské Hradiště: The prison that used to divide, now unites
- Association of Cultural Centres of the Czech Republic (AKCe): How can AKCe help?
- Máš umělecké střevo?: Why 30 identical snowmen are not enough – finding cultural and creative courage in a Central European space
- Pojď ven!/ Av avri!: Come out! But which way?
- České Budějovice – European Capital of Culture 2028 – (PERMA)CULTURE: A vision for České Budějovice
- Czech Elves: Information manipulation as part of the attack on democratic values and the resilience of civil society
- Farm in the Cave: Theatre as a space for exploration, empathy and discussion
- Krutart: Narrative spaces and museum innovation – how to tell stories that connect generations and transcend stereotypes
- One World in Schools (JSNS): How we develop critical thinking and democratic values in schools through film and play
- Faculty of Philosophy, Charles University: How to address polarizing disputes in society
Come and be inspired by stories that openly oppose populism, media manipulation, disinformation and fake news, and actively defend democratic values and try to activate society. Talks presentations will be held in the Czech language only.