Art engaging with/in/for society has become a rapidly growing field of practice and expanded professionalism as understanding of the possibilities of art in/for social change has increased. However, the versatility of the field and the expanding professionalism have led to the development of dozens of value-laden and even conflicting concepts and approaches associated with this practice, such...
In this presentation, I propose an ecosystemic approach to culture and sustainability and discuss its use in the case of international Capital of Culture (CoC) programmes. I will first present the proposed approach, following which I will discuss the ways in which international CoC programmes approach and frame the relationship between culture and sustainability in their goals, guidelines, and...
The everyday experience of pushing a button and starting an electrical appliance, or turning on the lights or air conditioning, is in practice very simple. Yet, in trying to explain how they actually work, or what is energy, one needs fairly complicated expert knowledge. As fossil fuels still remain the ordinary energy source for the world, the accelerating climate crisis haunts all energy...
The modern world faces global challenges, including conflicts, climate change, economic instability, and cultural polarization. In this context, art and aesthetics are not only tools for preserving cultural heritage but also serve as critical infrastructure for addressing social, economic, and emotional issues. Art helps individuals process traumatic experiences and adapt to shifting social...
This presentation critiques Graham Harman’s object-oriented ontology (OOO) and its conception of art. Though OOO has gained traction in artistic and architectural circles, among other things for its anti-anthropocentric views and ecological implications, I argue that its understanding of art is inadequate. Despite its aspirations, OOO relies on inescapably human beliefs to define art, failing...
