Today, Europe is home to millions of migrants from various regions, including Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, and more recently, Ukraine and Russia. However, a vital question arises: How can individuals make their voices heard in a country that isn’t quite their own? Is true belonging possible without the ability to participate in the political process? Does the lack of political rights drive our communities apart, and can arts and culture serve as the binding agent to mend these divisions?
Established in 2022 in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine and out of a need to address this traumatic event on 6 September through both artistic and intellectual means, STATEMENT (6 September) is a must-attend event within the viennacontemporary (7 – 10 September) for anyone interested in the intersection of contemporary art, social practice, and interested in political developments.
In a panel discussion in the framework of VCT STATEMENT 2023 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 will explore the role of culture and art in strengthening the sense of belonging in European communities.
Event Details:
Panel Discussions “Political Homelessness and Contemporary Citizenship”
Venue: The Atrium, Hotel Almanac Vienna, Parkring 14/16, 1010 Vienna
Date: 6 September
Admission: 3:30 pm
Panel 1: Citizenship and Belonging, 4:00-5:30 pm
Panel 2: Inclusive Europe, 6:00-7:30 pm
Curated by: Dessy Gavrilova – Vienna-based Bulgarian cultural entrepreneur and co-founder of The Red House Center for Culture and Debate
Participating Speakers:
Veronica Anghel – Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies;
Kristof Bender – Deputy Chairman of the European Stability Initiative;
Luiza Bialasiewicz – Professor of European Governance at the University of Amsterdam;
Nicolo Milanese – Founding Director of European Alternatives;
Kateryna Mishchenko – Ukrainian writer, publisher, and translator;
Oliver Ressler – artist and filmmaker, and many more.
For participation please register here.
The panel discussions are followed by the opening of the exhibition “Not Either Or, But And”.
Exhibition “Not Either Or, But And”
Venue: das weisse haus, Hegelgasse 14, 1010 Vienna
Doors Open: 6:00 pm, Opening Speeches: 8:00 pm
Curated by Laura Amann
Participating Artists: Olga Balema, Sharif Baruwa, Tony Cokes, Maximiliano León, OMARA Mara Oláh, Wendelien van Oldenborgh, Aykan Safoğlu, Miriam Stoney
Curated by Laura Amann, curator at Kunsthalle Wien, the statement 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.
Daily curator´s tour, 7 – 9 September: 3:00-4:00 pm
Opening hours during the fair: 1:00-9:00 pm
Duration of Exhibition: 7 September – 21 October 2023
More information about VCT Statement Program
More information about viennacontemporary
Cover picture: Sharif Baruwa, Schirm, Videostill 2023, courtesy the Artist
