BIP Spring Academy „Art, Space and the Public(s)“
Als Vorbereitung auf die einwöchige Präsenzphase in Linz organisierte das BIP-Team (geleitet von Ass.-Prof.in Dr.in phil. Siglinde Lang) ein Online-Symposium, das sich den (kunst-)theoretischen und philosophischen Grundbegriffen rund um das Thema Kunst im öffentlichen Raum widmete: Wie ist der aktuelle Stand der Demokratie – insbesondere angesichts zunehmender globaler politischer Ungewissheiten? Wie verändert sich unser Verständnis des öffentlichen Raums? Was sind öffentliche Räume, insbesondere in Zeiten von sozialen Medien und Fake News? Wie kann die Kunst ihren Beitrag leisten, um die Förderung der demokratischen Prozesse durch öffentliche Kunst sicherzustellen?
Die Präsenzphase des Programms in Linz beinhaltete eine einzigartige Vielfalt an Perspektiven und Zugängen zum Thema Kunst und Öffentlichkeit. Hier sind einige Eindrücke der Studierenden:
“The variety of lectures, hands-on group projects, short reflection phases and so on gave me, personally, a loose feeling and additionally the provision of everything we need – even meals, fruits, and so on – made sure that we won’t be in any needs. Also, all the lecturers tried to pick all of us up at the multiplicity of our levels of knowledge. The combined outdoor activities close to the object (Street Art Walk, New Cathedral, …) gave us the opportunity to deepen our new learnings. Additionally, we got to know different methods from a wide range of the scientific fields involved and were guided to forms of collective working – roles within the group, defining deadlines, usage of the several personal tools and so on – on the way to our individual squad projects. This enabled us to manage our teamwork efficiently and close to our future work life.” - Pablo Summer, Linz
“This BIP was also a social event where people are brought in to work together to create a project they are proud of, a project that is woven together by their different backgrounds, ways of thinking and skillsets they possess. The group work is - unlike the unpleasant ones one might be forced to do in school- it is purposeful and very fruitful because every person present is there for a reason and a (semi)professional in their field that possesses a great amount of knowledge so everyone has the need to contribute. This is also a great way for someone to come out of their shell, improving on their social skills and enjoying all the benefits of creating ties with an international group of people.” - Zrinka Svoren, Osijek
“This experience had a profound personal impact on me, prompting a deeper reflection on the role of art in public spaces and the essential connection between people and the environments they move through daily. I became more aware of how public art - whether monumental or discreet - can foster not only aesthetic appreciation, but also a powerful sense of belonging and inclusiveness, especially when it reflects diverse identities and shared values. Engaging directly with participants from various cultural backgrounds helped me understand the value of teamwork and cross-cultural exchange and how collaboration can enrich artistic approaches. Sharing perspectives and experiences with others made me appreciate how public art can serve as a universal language, capable of building bridges between communities and encouraging dialogue in an increasingly divided world.” Kara Prunes, Timisoara