ART DURING CRISIS

Radical imagination with art in war zones

Art and the world are inextricably linked. Art during crisis (a collaboration between Globe Aroma, Fameus and Kunstenpunt) explores the role of art in times of crisis, such as war or persecution. During the monthly digital discussions, we give the floor to a voice from the arts field as a starting point.

What can we do together? How can we support artists who are fleeing to connections in the sector? Should organisations show solidarity during crises, and what exactly does solidarity mean? Join the conversation during the digital open discussions.

For the December edition, we are creating a special hybrid edition. You can choose to follow it online or live. If you choose live, we invite you to Kaaistudios, where we can exchange ideas over coffee after the session.

Who are the guests for this edition?

• Testimony from Goma by Yole!Africa, by Petna Ndaliko Katondolo (artistic director and internationally renowned filmmaker)

Yole!Africa promotes perspective and social innovation through art in the Great Lakes region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been ravaged for years by ethnic tensions, war, natural disasters (volcanic eruptions) and conflicts over raw materials. In their programme, they focus on critical creativity for and by young people through film, sound and photography. They organise an annual film festival and run a farm, Yole!farm, which provides food and promotes sustainable agriculture.

• Brussels-based, Palestinian artist Ismail Matar makes use of calligraphy, painting and mural painting to materialize symbols of hope.

While in Gaza, the walls of refugee camps served as support for his art. In them, Ismail felt he could depict the struggle of the people around him in a genuine way. Ismail doesn’t necessarily want to convey political messages through his art but rather focus on universal values such as hope, freedom and dreams. Viewing art as a common language, one capable of reaching many people, Ismail is able to cross over barriers and communicate his universal messages.

After the conversation, you’re welcome for some coffee in the cafe.

Interested in joining our open discussions?
Every first Thursday of the month, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. via Zoom.
The discussions are held in English.

Zoom meeting/ Meeting ID: 861 2100 2982 / Passcode: 55651

Tickets ➡️ https://kaaitheater.be/en/agenda/25-26/art-during-crisis