Sat 17.06.2000 Talk: In or Out?

Podium / Discussion as part of “Plan B”, 17 June 2000, 10 am – 6 pm

A project in cooperation with the Heinrich Böll Foundation NRW

Introduction: Iris Dressler and Hans D. Christ
Moderation: Horst Griese

While discussions today often focus on the disappearance of cities, it can also be observed that “urbanity” continues to play a decisive role, particularly for the economic success of cities. Culture – or the culturalisation of public space – has assumed an important function in this context, as “cultural appeal” (Fezer/Wieder) creates an investment-friendly environment.

At the same time, it is crucial to critically examine the extent to which the social and political functions of public space are being replaced by the relentless commercialisation of cities. How should strategies of “art in public space” be assessed against this background? Are aesthetic, political and/or social functions at stake when art enters public spaces?

Engagement with marginalised groups, for example, is a popular point of departure for public art, as marginalised communities and their living environments are often regarded as particularly authentic expressions of urbanity. Above all, homeless people are frequently turned into icons of the public sphere and idealised through the motif of the nomadic.

How much art can marginalised groups accommodate? How do new self-conceptions of artists – for example as service providers, organisers, agents of social interaction, etc. – manifest themselves within structures of public space?

The panel discussion will explore these and related questions.

Panel

Paul Ardenne (FR)
Jochen Becker (DE)
Jesko Fezer (DE)
Olivier Reneau (FR)
Stefan Römer (DE)
Stella Rollig (AT)
Axel Wieder (DE)