Programme Overview

This event aims to weave together theory and
practice through both discussion and embodied action.
Initiated by a short lecture by dr. Colin Sterling on the role of social practice in the Anthropocene, we will begin with analytic investigations of the ‘social turn’ and the changing role of art in times of (inter)national crises.

Following this, we bring our understanding of these issues from theory into practice with two artistic workshops. The first, presented by artist Suzette Bousema in collaboration with scientist Ingeborg Klarenberg (as part of the VU Connected World Scientific Impact Award) explores how artists can function as intermediaries in presenting scientific knowledge to the public.

Suzette Bousema then takes us inside the microscopic world of lichen; inviting us to look and listen deeply to these small scale life forms and reflect on lessons that can be learned from them. 

Lastly, artistic researcher Siobhan Bell invites us inside the regenerative world presented in her recent book publication ‘Duality’- instigating a session of communal utopic world building and storytelling.
Ultimately, through these three forms of artistically approaching the ecological we ask participants to join us in conversation and investigation; in order to understand how we might utilise creativity and collaboration to combat (climate) crises.

About the Netherlands Insitute for Cultural Analysis

NICA is the Dutch national research school dedicated to the academic study of contemporary culture from an interdisciplinary, theoretical, and critical perspective. The school offers graduate courses for research master and PhD students, and serves as a professional network for affiliated scholars. Presently based at the Leiden University, the school welcomes the participation of scholars and students of all Dutch universities.