Freedo(o)m of culture

Gdansk 22-25th March 2018

Gdansk is called “The city of freedom” – due to its history (through centuries) and as a place of birth of the Solidarity movement. Poland struggles with issue of freedom for most of its history. But most important is here and now: looking at what is happening in national governments all around the world – were fear and need to simplify important issues with power, brings us close to the world without a need for a dialogue. In the world where mass media and Internet takes such a big role in creating artistic industry and educating new generations, that our actions have to be self-censored through experience and real expectations of the majority of the public. We – cultural managers – have the will and power to make a change. But we do operate under so many different conditions, that we are never truly free. Politics, open market, mass media, public opinion or our own conscience. It all affects us. So – let’s talk about that.

· Freedom of cultural sector and its autonomy (including spaces of the sector where that autonomy can be created)

· Responsibility of the manager (freedom of choice or responsibility towards institution, country, other people)

· Cultural policies as guaranties of freedom (does it really work? How?)

· Censorship – types and role in management reality (enforced on the sector and accepted by the sector; including self-censorship)

· Freedom of arts, artists and cultural managers in face of mass-culture, free market and politics

22th March (Thursday)

13:00-14:00 Registration in City Culture Institute (IKM), welcome drinks and snacks, meeting with IKM’s team

14:00-16:20 Guided tours around the Main City of Gdańsk and the Lower Town District

16:30-17:30 Lunch

17:45-19:30 Visit at the “Łaźnia” Centre for Contemporary Art, meeting with Łaźnia’s team

20:00 Welcome reception

23th March (Friday)

9:30-13:00 Open Seminar and Market for Ideas Exchange: Freedom of arts, artists and cultural managers in face of mass-culture, free market and politics - at the European Solidarity Centre

Including:

- Few words about European Solidarity Centre’s mission

- Video presentation and skype chat with Milena Dragićević-Sesić

- The intervention by Mary Ann DeVlieg

- Coffee break

- Presentations by Oracle members and local cultural operators

- Workshop around presented ideas, Market for Ideas Exchange

13:00-14:00 Lunch break

14:00-16:00 Visit at the European Solidarity Centre (the permanent exhibition)

17:00 – Dinner

20:00 – Artistic event during the European Poet of Freedom Festival, concert Pablopavo i Ludziki, B90 Club

24th March (Saturday)