What is the importance of the arts for degrowth? 

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This is an arts-based research project collecting thoughts and questions about the intersections between art and degrowth with the aim of co-creating a “ManiQuesto”. Inspired by the Modernist manifestos (Marx, Dada, Futurism, etc), the Maniquesto does not dictate what is, and is not, degrowth art. Instead, we will seek to highlight paradoxes, provoke reflections and inspire conversations. Rather than being dogmatic, the Maniquesto is an artwork which can be remade as debates and concerns evolve, and will successively take different formats.

 

The artwork will be informed by discussions at the Degrowth/ESEE Conference in Pontevedra, June 18-21, 2024. The Special Session "Art and Science in Degrowth: A ManiQuesto", conducted in hybrid format, will stimulate debate with presentations from two artists, and a dialogue with scientists and policymakers involved with the SciArt project at the Joint Research Centre (European Commission). We will hear about the JRC “Naturarchy” project which invited artists and scientists “to re-imagine the western relation of human and non-human, in an attempt to ensure juridical persona to Nature’s many wonders, be they stardust or DNA.” We will discuss different approaches, share our own practices, and think about how intersections between degrowth & the arts might be expressed in art form. 

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There will be a Zoom held after the conference where we discuss the questions and ideas which have arisen with those who were unable to attend. This Zoom is provisionally scheduled for September 2024. 

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This creative process will build research and practitioner networks, and produce "the Maniquesto" (edition 1), a collectively created research agenda and reflection upon linkages between the arts and degrowth. The format of the Manifesto is not yet clear... it will emerge during the process. You will be kept updated on the process and opportunities to participate via social media (Twitter, LinkedIn), and via email. 

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Everybody involved will be invited to sign the Maniquesto. 

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If you would like to be involved please fill out the form below. 

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