Social Values through the Lens of Art

Photography, literature, theater, music and other types of arts more and more often become valuable transmitters of core political, social, economic and ecological topics.

The main power of the arts is an ability to raise sensitive questions and help all the actors/stakeholders to build a dialogue, find consensus and bring changes. It also can involve young people and apolitical people to political discussion, especially in environments where authorities may repress civil society activism.

This all was debated and discussed by the prominent speakers as:

• Lilit Makunts, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Armenia;
• Andrey Kurkov, writer;
• Rostyslav Semkiv, Ukrainian literary critic, Assistant professor of "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy", Director of the publishing house “Smoloskyp”;
• Katerina Mischenko, art-curator and founder of “Medusa” publishing house;
• Kateryna Zadoienko, NGO "Social Democratic Platform".

The discussion enabled artists, politicians and experts to deliberate on the interconnection between arts, social and political processes in Eastern Europe. During the debates it was mentioned that in the times, when populists are overflowing all the TV and radio channels it is extremely challenging to tackle social issues that correspond to the basic needs of an average citizen. Therefore, it is very essential to find new ways to communicate social-democratic values.

It was underlined that culture and arts make it easier for the audience to reflect and feel the situations that are happening in the region and simultaneously analyze what steps could be undertaken to overcome existing problems, fight corruption and inequality, promote freedom and fairness.

Photo exhibition People. Places. Processes. became one of a perfect example of how cultural events can become a platform to communicate and shape public opinion, interconnect the artists with the ordinary people; to inspire visitors for deeper rethinking of the political, social and economic issues and to enforce peaceful changes.

 “Everything is arts, everything is politics.“ (c)

More photos from the event available here