- event type:Classical:NEXT 17 Conference
- date:18 May 2017
- time:17:00 - 17:45
- city/area:Rotterdam
- venue:De Doelen, Conference Room 1 (fourth floor)
- country:Netherlands
- event posted by:Piranha Arts
Chaired by Neil Wallace (The Netherlands), programme director, De Doelen Concert Hall
with Guy Coolen (Belgium) director, Muziektheater Transparant/ Operadagen Rotterdam
Laura Berman (US/Switzerland), director of the opera, Theater Basel
Krystian Lada (Poland/Belgium), founder & managing director, The Airport Society
How are we coping in the new age of confrontational politics? All artists are challenged by global political movements that threaten basic (inter)cultural values and long-held philosophies. Many cultural institutions (even liberal values themselves) are under attack, undermined by governments or politicians hostile to the very idea of public culture.
What challenges does this bring for artists in music theatre and opera? In the face of popular rightwing politics, fake news and the new journalism, how well are we doing in reaching audiences that matter or dealing with confrontation in politics or daily life? Can or should music theatre and opera mobilise? Do we need to learn new skills in engagement? Or ignore the politicians completely?