“Art, Space & the Public(s): What about Democracy?!”

As a prelude to the BIP Spring Academy ‘Art, Space & Public(s)’, this online symposium provides an introduction to key terms relating to public(s), the public sphere, and public art. These terms are analysed in the context of democratic processes, their opportunities, as well as their challenges: What is the current state of democracy – in the face of increasing global political uncertainties? How is our understanding of the public sphere changing (as a result)? What are public spaces – in times of social media and fake news? What and how can the arts contribute to ensuring that public art fosters democratic processes?

Three thematic blocks address these questions: Block A focuses on the question of `What is the Public, and Why Does It Matter for Democracy?’ (Lukas Kaelin, Agustin Rodriguez, Remmon Barbaza); Block B `Public Art in Specific (Anti-)Democratic Contexts´ deals with nationally specific issues of art in public spaces(Barbara Balen, Gabriella Uhl, Ann Leanen, Cezara Carla Pădurean); and Block C is dedicated to `Art in Public Spaces´ and its potential for `Fostering Democracy?´ (Andrej Mirčev, Siglinde Lang, Annelys De Vet).

>> Program Overview (pdf)
Concept: Ass. Profⁱⁿ. Drⁱⁿ. Siglinde Lang, Institute of Contemporary Art & Media
Registration: s.lang@ku-linz.at