Think Public Space
Welcome to "Think Tank: Experiencing Art in Public Space," a podcast that started from a series of in-situ workshops, taking place in a variety of locations across Belgium. Joined by students, architects, artists, social workers, philosophers and sociologists, these moments reflected on the possible interaction between public spaces and artistic processes. Come along on this journey and discover art and public spaces through dynamic discussions and ambient soundscapes in each unique environment. Concept, realisation and editing: Angelique Campens; Coaching & sound: Raf Enckels (Herculeslab); Soundwork & mixing: Melissa Ryke; Opening and closing theme Glenn Miller "String of pearls"; Visuals: design by Veronika Akopyan and photography by Michiel Devijver; Production: Angelique Campens; Coproduction: Nomadic School of Arts; With the support of: KASK School of Arts, Europe NextGenerationEU, Nomadic School of Arts.
Think Public Space
Episode 5: The philosopher, social housing and public space
Today we are going to the outskirts of Antwerp where we explore the integration of art in social housing and public spaces, drawing inspiration from the works of architect Renaat Braem's units at Kiel. These high-rise blocks were built between 1949-1958 in Kiel. It was Braem’s first project where he integrated painting, murals, and sculpture, and shows the importance of the synthesis of the arts.
Philosopher and art historian Vlad Ionescu is here with us today and positions historical examples of art productions in public space to contemporary practice. He helps us define the matter of ‘public space’ as one of confrontation and compromise. He highlights challenges and risks of arts in this context, with indifference, in particular, to be considered as the ‘death of publicness’. When speaking about this topic we mostly focused on architecture or sculptures, but could engagement itself be a meaningful artistic alternative?
We also talk about the role of community engagement in art and the ethical questions it raises. We discuss the tension between creating art for the sake of the community versus creating art for its own sake and the problems that arise when artists are expected to also function as social workers. They also touch upon the role of ideology in the art world and the impact it has on community-based projects.
Concept, realisation and editing: Angelique Campens
Coaching & sound: Raf Enckels (Herculeslab)
Soundwork & mixing: Melissa Ryke
Opening and closing theme Glenn Miller "String of pearls"
Visuals: design by Veronika Akopyan and photography by Michiel Devijver
Production: Angelique Campens
Text assistance: Zoë Brennan, Davide Musco
Project participants: Veronika Akopyan, Zoë Brennan, Luna Van Bellingen, Menno Eggink, Milan George, Davide Musco, Jose Zapata Usma, Aagje Vandriessche, Baue Vercammen, Delphine Vo and Hilke Walraven
Coproduction: Nomadic School of Arts
With the support of: KASK School of Arts, Europe NextGenerationEU, Nomadic School of Arts