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. These challenges make it increasingly difficult to create and organize while staying true to ourselves. This issue is not unique to any one place, it’s something that artists and organizers in many parts of the world are grappling with.

So, what can we do about it? How can we learn from each other’s experiences and creative solutions, both locally and internationally?

In this Topic Talk we invite a group of guests to share their stories, ideas, and hopes for the future. Among them are Jasper van Luijk, the founder of the dance company SHIFFT, and Faizah Grootens, an associated choreographer with SHIFFT. Jasper is currently working on opening a new dance house in Utrecht, and Faizah brings her perspective as a growing maker who works between The Netherlands and the Caribbean Islands. Also taking part in the conversation is a representative from Komuna Warszawa, an anarchist community that’s become one of the most important independent theaters of Poland. They create space for experimentation and have a strong commitment to social justice.

From another part of eastern Europe, Hungary, Viktor Szeri will share his experiences from founding the statement festival for interdisciplinary and alternative arts: ‘Under 500’. We’ll also have more guests joining us, so stay tuned!

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.

This Topic Talk is organized in collaboration with SHIFFT.