VCT STATEMENT: Political Homelessness and Contemporary Citizenship
The special program STATEMENT merges contemporary art, societal practice, and political development into a vital platform.
In 20203, VCT STATEMENT: Political Homelessness and Contemporary Citizenship asked the relevant question: How can individuals make their voices heard in a country that isn’t quite their own? Does the lack of political rights drive our communities apart, and can arts and culture serve as the binding agent to mend these divisions?
In a panel discussion at the Atrium of Hotel Almanac Vienna on September 6, 2023, and the exhibition “Not Either Or, But And” at the prestigious venue “das weisse haus,” curated by Laura Amann of Kunsthalle Wien, high-profile individuals from arts, politics, and culture explored the role of culture and art in strengthening the sense of belonging in European communities. A Keynote Speech by Alma Zadić, Federal Minister of Justice of the Republic of Austria, completed the program.
Speakers:
R.C. Baker, Artist and Senior Editor at the Village Voice, New York
Luiza Bialasiewicz, Political geographer and Professor of European Governance in the Department of European Studies at the University of Amsterdam
Niccolo Milanese, Founding Director of European Alternatives
Oliver Ressler, Austrian-born artist, activist, and filmmaker
Moderated by Dessy Gavrilova, Vienna-based Bulgarian cultural entrepreneur
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Veronica Anghel, Political scientist, and Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe
Kristof Bender, Deputy Chairman of the European Stability Initiative
Kateryna Mishchenko, Writer, publisher, and translator from Kyiv
Martin Selmayr, Head of Representation of the European Commission in Austria
Moderated by Ivan Vejvoda, Permanent Fellow at IWM, Head of Europe’s Futures – Ideas for Action
Exhibition “Not Either Or, But And”
Curated by Laura Amann
Participating Artists: Olga Balema, Abdul Sharif Oluwafemi Baruwa, Tony Cokes, Maximiliano León, OMARA – Mara Oláh, Wendelien van Oldenborgh, Aykan Safoğlu, Miriam Stoney
Duration of Exhibition: 7 September – 21 October 2023
Venue: das weisse haus, Hegelgasse 14, 1010 Vienna
Panel Discussions: Political Homelessness and Contemporary Citizenship
How can one make their voice heard in a country that doesn't quite feel like their own? And is it possible to truly belong if one cannot participate in the political process? Could the lack of political rights be a driving force behind the division within our communities? Perhaps culture could serve as the bonding agent to mend these divides? To address these profound questions, a panel discussion on Wednesday, 6th September 2023, the day before the opening of viennacontemporary, setting the stage for a meaningful and engaging fair weekend.
STATEMENT Exhibition: Not Either Or, But And
Curated by Laura Amann, curator at Kunsthalle Wien, the exhibition will showcase the works of multiple Austrian-based and international artists. Through their artistic contributions, these artists will unsettle the politics of citizenship, especially of diasporic and temporary residents, as well as migrating citizens. The exhibition aims to challenge unquestioned thinking and invites viewers to confront themselves with the underlying, internalized structures of white supremacy in order to pave the way for genuine freedom, democracy, and equality.