Decreasing the quality and reversing of democratic processes and practices is a disadvantageous perennial trend in both developed and emerging democracies. Increasing indebtedness, but also the saturation of citizens with ineffective forms of participation, is increasingly present, resulting in passive and inactive citizenship. There is also a decline in expectations for the achievements of CSO advocacy efforts to fundamentally change policy. The dissatisfaction with the unfavorable trends and conditions is also expressed through protests. The range of forms of pressure on the authorities and institutions is enormous.
The growing number of organizations, activist cores and activist platforms that use various media and tools, through short and clear message campaigns, are intended to arouse interest in engaging the general public, specific audiences and authorities. Public spaces, including social networks, are increasingly attractive to both authorities and activists. Increasingly, creative activism, alone or in combination with existing forms of civic pressure and advocacy, is becoming a form of engagement that fosters and creates conditions for change in both actual and current policies as well as cultural and politically oriented practices.
This event is an attempt to initiate a systematic reflection of the artistic space in Macedonia in order to identify actors and formats of action, to identify the ideological, strategic and tactical experiences and future steps of creative activism aimed at influencing social change. There is also a need to note and analyze the success factors of these engagements. It is equally important to share lessons learned both with traditionally engaged artists and activists as well as those new to the scene. The conference will be attended by activists and theorists from the region, and this attempt will be an opportunity to create a platform for mutual acquaintance, recognition, support, development and initiation of future artistic activities.
AGENDA
09:30 – 10:00 Registration of participants
10:00 – 11:10 “Creative Activism for/and Social Change – Just a Trend or Recognized Need with a Future?”
Slavica Indzevska, Program Director, Foundation Open Society – Macedonia
Igor Štiks, writer
Moderator: Vladimir Jančevski
11:10 – 11:30 coffee break
11:30 – 13:00 Panel Discussion “Creative Activism in Macedonia: What have we learned from the things we have done?”
- Nikola Pisarev, Institution for Contemporary Arts – Skopje
- Mite Kuzevski, Foundation for Debate and Education IDEA South East Europe
- Ivona Kuzmanovska, Youth Education Forum
Moderator: Kalia Dimitrova
13:00 – 13:30 Scheduling the parallel panel discussions and snacks
13:30 – 15:00 Parallel Panel Discussion “Art / Activism in Action – Seizure / Occupation of the Public Space: Why All That?” (Part One)
Street art and urban action
- Dragan Kitanovski – Draš, street artist
- Arianit Xhaferi, Eco Guerrilla, Tetovo
- Ivan Čulakovski, Citizens’ Initiative “Differently” Bitola
- Teodora Georgieva, Štip Art Activism
- Nenad Stojanovic, Proactive, Niš, Serbia
Moderator: Slobodanka Stevčevska
Social Networks – A Battlefield or a Mobilizing Tool
- Irena Ristic, activist, # Don’t be rubbish
- Elena Georgievska, Skopje smog alarm
- Ena Bendevska, Medusa.mk
Moderator: Goran Kostovski
15:00 – 15:30 Break
15:30 – 17:00 Parallel Panel Discussion “Art / Activism in Action – Seizure / Occupation of the Public Space: Why All That?” (Part Two)
Towards audiences through the art of change
- Kočo Andonovski, LGBTI Support Center
- Simona Spirovska, Artopia
- Besfort Idrizi, Children’s Theater Center
- Visar Arifaj, Strong Party, Kosovo
- Goce SAF, musician
- Sibel Abdiu, director
Moderator: Aleksandra Bubevska
Through picture towards action
- Ivan Blažev, photographer
- Gjorgje Jovanovic, artist
- Igor Grubic, artist, Croatia
- Sofia Grigoriadu, artist, Greece
Moderator: Boško Karadzov
17:00 – 17:45 “Citizens and communities with creative engagement allies in the changes that bring a better tomorrow for all”
Final overview, discussion and recommendations: Iskra Gešoska, Kontrapunkt, Skopje
17:30 – 20:00
“Magic for Change” Workshops
Play “I Don’t Pay”, directed by Besfort Idrizi
Party and cocktail