Art, in its awakened state, acts as a transformative catalyst, urging individuals to confront the injustices that plague our societies. It serves as a poignant mirror, reflecting the realities of systemic oppression, inequality, and the urgent need for social justice. Through art, we confront uncomfortable truths, dismantling the walls of ignorance and apathy. It nurtures empathy, stirring dormant emotions and kindling the flames of collective action.
Murmuring Through
In a sacred gathering held over the course of a weekend, we embarked on a profound ceremony and sound journey titled "murmuring through. silence came in pulsing ripples." This artistic exploration emerged as a poignant invitation, beckoning us to delve into the realms of wintering—a potent crucible of life itself. Within this mystical space, we discovered a realm where infinite possibilities danced in the realm of dreams.
Deep within our beings, we carried a profound yearning, an ache that echoed with the pain of the living world. We recognized our undeniable connection to the intricate tapestry of existence, and with heavy hearts, we acknowledged the challenges and disturbances that have befallen the world we share. It was within this tender acknowledgment that we sought solace, seeking to navigate a path towards healing and renewal.
As the ceremony unfolded, we wove a delicate tapestry of intention, conjuring spells that held the power to shape and manifest more livable worlds. Through this alchemical collaboration with the plant kingdom, we recognized the wisdom and harmony inherent in co-creation. Together, we aspired to restore the delicate balance between humanity and nature, a partnership rooted in reverence and respect.
The journey we embarked upon was deeply personal, delving into the very core of our being. Its transformative power left an indelible mark, resonating not only within the physical realm but also seeping into the depths of our subconscious. The echoes of this profound encounter continue to reverberate within us, guiding our thoughts, actions, and dreams.
Such a transformative experience was made possible through the six-week art and research residence titled"Curious Encounters" residency at Earthwise Residency provided us with the precious opportunity to immerse ourselves in this exploration, a privilege that filled our hearts with joy and gratitude.
Wellbeing in cultural spaces. Everything leans…
Site specific workshop/experience at Trans Europe Halles Confernce in Prague, 2022.
Everything leans is a durational artistic and relational intervention. Rooted in the acknowledgment that we as cultural practitioners and human peoples are part of an intricate, interconnected network of relationships, in which everything we do matters, or as E.M.Namgyel puts it - “everything leans”. This intervention will invite to individually and collectively explore these questions:
- who are we leaning with or what constitutes our ecosystems?
- what choices we make in a world where everything leans?
- how this informs our purposes (the whys), our relationships and ways of working and “doing” culture?
It consists of a 3 hour workshop and small pop-up interventions throughout the conference days.
The workshop explores the ecosystems of our work, our connection points or the threads that weave together the mycelium of TEH, and what/where we want to thread further. The interventions are smaller and bigger spatial pop-ups in and around the venues to invite further exploration of the above questions. The insights and reflections collected from everyone involved in these interventions and the workshop will be shared with the larger TEH community both during and after the conference.
Liene / “Creating Cultures of Wellbeing” series
Series of three workshops in three cultural spaces held by Liene and supported by Trans Europe Halles - at Kanepes Culture centre in Riga, Latvia; Institut for X in Aarhus, Denmark; Maly Berlin in Trnava, Czech Republic, all focused on space and time for the respective teams to explore the notion of well-being in their organisational context, have a safe and creative space to talk about dreams, fears and how they can support one another better.
ISSP Summer School of Socially Engaged Art
23 - 30 July 2022 in Rucka, Cēsis, Latvia
During the week, we delved into the relationship between art and activism, examining it from multiple perspectives. Our focus was on our individual and collective roles in fostering change, the transformative power of community, and the essential role and responsibility of the arts in advocating for social and ecological justice. Throughout our exploration, we engaged in self-reflection, critical thinking, and a deep awareness of power dynamics.
Drawing inspiration from the experiences of activists and change-makers on the ground, we studied compelling case studies that illuminated the intersection of art and activism. By doing so, we acquired practical skills and uncovered our unique strengths and abilities, discovering our own inherent "superpowers" for effecting change.
To keep our learning practice-based and rooted in real-world applications, we facilitated opportunities for the participants to design and implement their own interventions. Collaboratively, we engaged in a series of activities and actions throughout the week, learning and growing together.
The summer school welcomed a maximum of 30 participants, with 20 hailing from Latvia and an additional 10 from neighboring countries. This diverse group fostered a rich exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives, enriching our collective understanding of the dynamic relationship between art and activism.
