The symposium operates at the intersection of theory and practice. This approach is reflected both in the invitation of artists, practitioners and theorists, and in the diversity of the proposed formats: talks, conversations, discussion groups, screenings and readings. Each participant will retain their own agency within the framework of the symposium. Moments of conviviality are constitutive of this gathering and will be reflected in the spatial arrangements conceived for the event.

A collaboration between GK – Design and Fine Arts Division, Bern Academy of the Arts HKB, Bern and CCC – Critical, Curatorial, Cybermedia, Geneva University of Art and Design HEAD.

Readings
Asma Barchiche, Alex Gence, Nelson Irsapoullé and Nora Osagiobare

Symposium
Candice Breitz, Kadiatou Diallo, Elisa Liepsch, Payal Parekh and Jonas Staal

Co-hosts
Madeleine Amsler (HKB) and Federica Martini (HEAD)

The symposium aims to address pressing contemporary issues through the lens of solidarities woven within the art scenes. It seeks to imagine new spaces — both supportive and attentive in relation to ongoing international crises — within which imaginaries can be collectively constructed. To explore these questions, we will invite artists, theorists and practitioners whose work is situated in issues of international solidarity through culture, in the realm of NGOs, with and around activist networks, and other forms of practice. The invited participants are individuals and members of collectives who have moved across different fields related to coalition-building, artists and theorists who have worked within zones of possibility, building alternative networks of cooperation and critical reflection. Our guiding question will be how to (re)-connect and re-appropriate common territories and common grounds.