The Arts of Resistance

Project description

Initiated by Ruth Anderwald and Leonhard Grond, Association HASENHERZ, the project The Arts of Resistance (TAoR) aims to uncover links between historical, cultural, social, political, and physical ecologies of resistance against fascisms employing a co-creative approach. This approach encompasses historical research, artistic workshops and expert conversations, an international youth exchange at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Zagreb, art in public space presentations with schools and the University of Art in Braunschweig, and a publication.

Based on Umberto Eco’s text, We Are European (2019), questions of Europe as a peace project, European identity, and resistance against fascism past and present will be discussed and then co-creatively transformed into works of art. On the intersection of international youth work, current artistic research, and political education, TAoR has set itself the goal of questioning artworks and cultural assets based on local examples as a possible means of resistance. To build a pan-European understanding of fascisms and arts-based ways to counter such tendencies, and supported by internationally acclaimed artists, young people (18-25 years) will research and co-create artworks as an expression of resistance against fascisms. Critically examining historical works and comparing their context, meaning and agency to the present is at its core. The tested learning processes are based on the thesis that learning from history for the present is only possible through curiosity, research, critical analysis, and creative application. The power of imagination inherent to works of art makes it possible to encounter the future imaginatively and with an inquiring mind. The articipants’ awareness and creative agency for resistance against fascisms can become fruitful. To initiate such a process is the responsibility of political, artistic, and cultural education.

Objective

- Transnational creation and circulation

Priorities

- Audience

- International dimension