We were fortunate enough to travel to Basel, Switzerland to participate in the Crossroads Conference held in February 2018 by Pro Helvetia. We were invited there to join a panel and speak on the topic How to talk about what no one wants to talk about. A continuation of the anniversary festivities was also held in Johannesburg in September, under the title Points of Engagement. For this second meeting, we had the pleasure of sitting in as observers and contributors to the floor discussions, without the pressure of presenting something .
How to talk about what no one wants to talk about? a synopsis:
Demographic, ethnic, religious and sexual minorities are faced with marginalisation, violence and the suppression of their histories. These topics are highlighted in the work of many critical artists today. Varying (political) contexts require distinct strategies and formats to make these issues accessible to a broader audience. What are such strategies and what obstacles do artists face when taking up such issues?
Moderated by Sophie Vögele (Scientific Associate, Institute for Art Education –Department of Cultural Analysis, Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland)
- Lineo Segoete (Writer, researcher, photographer and archivist, Lesotho)
- Yvonne Wilhelm (Artist (knowbotiq) and researcher at IFCAR, Institute for Contemporary Art Research at the Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland)
- Nina Bandi (Philosopher and PhD student, Lucern School of Art and Design, Switzerland)
- Mandeep Raikhy (Dancer and choreographer, India)
- Laila Soliman (Egyptian writer and theater director, Cairo)
A video of the discussion may be viewed here
Ba re e ne re | Arts Education 