The project's objective is a transnational, joint research on and documentation of cultural-artistic development processes regarding theatre and forms of theatrical expression in the national / regional cultural areas of Eastern, Central and South-Eastern Europe over the last 25 years. Partner countries are Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, Lithuania and Finland.
In its conceptual approach and in its objectives Passage 23°E is understood as a contribution to the internationalization and the increasing orientation of educational and research institutions in Germany towards an inclusive concept of Europe. The project aims to generate cultural and scientific contexts on a new stage of transnationalism and transregionalism.
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
In past years the image of mobility as departing from one stable place with certain sets of values, ideas, cultural patterns, customs and also aesthetics has been challenged: The idea of distinct cultural sets meeting with those of others at crossroads, in theatres, shopping malls, galleries and concert halls, thus initiating a multicultural dialogue, seems no longer valid in a “liquid“ modernity. Today, many people experience culture itself as mobile – not because they left a “home”, but because from the very beginning their reality is characterized by a state of constant movement. On the other hand, we are witnessing the return of a certain longing for stability, for the acknowledgment of stable “sources“ and identities. These two perceptions both provoke a rethinking of concepts, potentials and problems of cultural mobility.
How can culture and aesthetics be mobile when the whole world is liquid? What can be a response to the growing number of those who do not want to be mobile any more and who act strongly against those who try to cross the borders? And is it appropriate to discuss a fluidity of culture when peoples‘ mobility is increasingly involuntary and violently forced?
The conference posed these questions in the context of the arts and aesthetics by challenging the consequences and potentials of moving narratives and images, problematising the relations between and within cultures and their aesthetics.
On October 12 and 13, 2018, artists, artistic directors and festival curators discussed with theatre scientists and culture journalists the topic of mobility in the arts in the frame of the international conference "Mobility of aesthetics", which is coorganized by Zbigniew Raszewski Theatre Institute and International Theatre Institute Germany, supported by ENICPA and On-the-move.
The conference focused on the topic of the mobility of artists and art productions in its various current aspects and regional characteristics. Particular attention will be paid to developments in the countries of Eastern, Central Eastern and Southeastern Europe. This thematic orientation also corresponds to the ITI-project Passage 23°E.
Documentation of the conference:
Programme of the conference
Presentation of Günther Heeg
Panel: "Origin and Originality"
Session: "Mobility in Focus"
For any questions regarding the conference please contact Christine Henniger
A project organized by the International Theatre Institute Germany in cooperation with Zbigniew Raszewski institute Poland, with support of ENICPA, On-the-move und der Galeria Zachęta.
