Topic Talk: Making the Impossible Possible

Far-right governments, budget cuts, unaffordable studio and venue rents and institutions or funds deciding upon our relevance. These are just some examples that artists and organisers are facing, that mark the increasing impossibility of creating and organising while staying artistically grounded. An issue that is present in many parts of the world, and ones that are not already facing it in The Netherlands, are fearing it. These conditions make it even more urgent to learn from each others practices and creative solutions, internationally and interculturally.

In this Topic Talk we invite a group of guests to share their experiences, solutions and hopes for the future. Among others, founder of dance company SHIFFT Jasper van Luijk and associated dancer Faizah Grootens enter this conversation from the Dutch field. Jasper is currently working towards the opening of a new house for dance in Utrecht, Faizah brings her perspective as a growing maker working between The Netherlands and the Caribbean Islands. Also present will be a representative from Komuna Warszawa, an anarchist action-inspiring community that grew out to be one of the most important independent theaters of Poland, creating space for experiment. From another part of eastern Europe, Hungary, Viktor Szeri will bringhis experiences from founding the statement festival for interdisciplinary and alternative arts: ‘Under 500’. More guests are to be announced.

Topic Talks are in-depth conversations on SPRING themes: current topics that matter. What trends do we see in the contemporary performing arts field and what do they mean for the world around us? Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the festival you can attend one at 17.00 in the Dudokfoyer of the Stadsschouwburg Utrecht. All Topic Talks are in English.

This Topic Talk is organized in collaboration with SHIFFT.