Eighteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

Whether community art projects in so-called urban problem districts, multi-cultural off-spaces in peripheral areas or the temporary use of vacancies, market halls, or train stations for participatory art projects: more and more initiatives leave established settings and common venues of the arts. In these initiatives (public) ‘space’ and the related ‘context’ of producing culture play a crucial role: instead of a proven, recognized and mostly (urban) centrally located spatial constellation, the chosen space is untested, periphery and decentralized. But it is precisely this uncertain but different context that enables to overcome the conventional conditions of cultural (meaning) production. With a focus on Germany, Austria and Switzerland, this study introduces and analysis several (current) public art projects that aim to engage the public in bringing about change through art. Based on concepts of urban, cultural and artistic citizenship, the paper outlines my approach for rethinking the relationship between artists and publics by re-negotiating the term “citizenship” as the “right to a say” (cultural citizenship) as well as an “ethical responsibility” (artistic citizenship), which must be worked out and negotiated. Thereby, I will open (up) a discussion on “art as a common resource” by framing/questioning the political as aesthetic potential as well as limitations of this participatory project.