Final report - Art Aginst
Samba Résille
Created on October 14, 2023
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Transcript
ART
AGAINST
Discover the project >>>
version Française
Exploration
CONSENSUS
DÉCONSTRUCTION
DIVERGENCE
PROJECT SUMMARY
CHANGES AND IMPACTS
problem statement
ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS
Samba Résille
Piranha Arts
Caisa
HELSINKI
BERLIN
TOULOUSE
+
+
ART AGAINST
CONTEXT
OBJECTIVES
IMPLEMENTATION
RESULTS
Funding
Virtual Meetings of the Leaders:Methodology and Semantics
First Participant Meeting:Problem Statement Review
PROBLEM STATEMENT
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Universalism ...
Patriarchy ...
Domination ...
Non-Mixed...
Legitimacy
Cultural Appropriation ...
Semantics:Four Concepts Under Examination
Gender...
Decolonization of Minds...
An Enriched Problem Statement
Privilege ...
Initial Proposals Put to the Test of Activism
CONSENSUS
DIVERGENCE
Methodology: Validation of the Logical Framework and Planning
Youth Engagement: Lessons Learned
Spaces of consensus
Personnels :les enseignements
Cultural venues:the lessons
Carnival of Cultures
Le refugeThe shelter
HAU
CRICAO
Sully
DragVision
Topophone
Fri-X
Pride
Be-Art
Carnival of the Future
Bajo el mar
Exploration
CONSENSUS
Public Policies
DÉCONSTRUCTION
DIVERGENCE
Spaces of divergence
Semantic Approach to Vocabulary"
Activism of Young and Older Generations
Academy of moving people and images
Adrien Camon
Oyoun
Caisa
Espace des diversités et de la laïcité
Helsinki
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Open discussions on the topics discussed the previous day
Group work.
Presentation of inclusion tools in the cultural sector by CAISA.
Presentation of the three organizations and their participants. Visit to CAISA's premises.
Writing lessons.
Writing lessons.
Performance at the CAISA Theater.
Meeting with local partners of CAISA.
School visit :Ammattiopisto Live
Evaluation and shared reflections for the next mobility
From May 3rd to May 7th, 2022
Group work on inclusion/mediation...
Le premier jour du projet, a vu naître un débat sur les questions de représentativité et de légitimité à parler de questions de vulnérabilité. Ces questionnements, conversations et échanges entre participants, importants pour certains, inconvenant pour d'autres, ont alors amené les responsables du projet à se concerter et à proposer comme cadre de travail l’exploration de tout ce qui a trait à l’inclusion par et dans l’art des minorités.
Berlin
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Visit and presentation of the "Haus des Karnevals," the Carnival House.
Visit and presentation of Kulturbrauerei, the cultural brewery in Berlin.
Analysis of the role of women in the music industry and presentation of the organization MusicBwomen by Isabelle.
Presentation of the week and ice breaker on the theme of inclusion and diversity organized by Claire
Participation in workshops at the FriXberg art school.
Discussion time at Oyoun on the theme "Woke in progress," a workshop organized by Nina.
Discussion and review at "Alte Feuerwache," a non-profit organization.
Participation in the Carnival of the Future.
Visiting HAU and watching a theater play.
From September 20 to September 24, 2022.
Group work on the responsibilities of venues.
Group work on the commitments of the younger generation.
Writing lessons
Evaluation and common reflections for the next mobility.
Toulouse
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Meeting with Bajo el mar in the "Le Phare" performance venue.
Meeting with Topophone
Meeting with CRICAO aims to support the creation of artists who carry the cultures of the world.
Presentation of the week and Ice Breaker inspired by our Zambian partner, Barefeet.
Finalizing the construction of analytical teaching sheets: Consensus / Divergence.
Construction of analytical fact sheets on teachings: Consensus / Divergence.
Opening of Sébastien Kinach's photo exhibition.
Meeting with Adrien Camon from the AVEC association: Food and Gender.
Evaluation and debriefing time.
Participation in the Toulouse Pride
Meeting with the artists of the Drag Show performance.
Visit of l'Espace des diversités et de la laïcité
Presentation of "Le Refuge."
Presentation of Sully's videos.
Drag Show organized by Mathilde.
From June 6 to June 10, 2023.
Group work on the political approach.
Exchanges about disadvantaged neighborhoods and Hip Hop.
From 03/05/2022 to 07/05/2022
2nd mobilityBerlin, Germany
From 20/09/22to 24/09/22
From 06/06/2023 to 10/06/2023
Collaboration Ignacio et Sébastien
3rd mobilityToulouse, France
Tell me more - Sandra
Maboo's drawings
VulnérabilitiesBouleneréavilité - Ignacio
Suomenlina Island - Sandra
EXPRESSIONS ARTISTIQUES
1st mobilityHelsinki, Finland
Video of the project- Sully
Participants' paintings - FrieXberg
Portraits - Oliana
LOCAL
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
EUROPEAN
Effects, changes, and impacts
The lessons
Links with academics
Social inclusion and engagement
Expanded mobility and cooperation
Youth participation
Inclusion of audiences with disabilities
Strengthening and dissemination
Expansion of the network
Incorporation of Pride Month
Deepening
External Dissemination
Strengthened institutional relationships and expanded networks
Enhanced intercultural dimension
Internal dissemination
Diversified Range of Activities
Meeting with Catherine Prieto, Departmental Delegate, Eric Roussel, volunteer, and four young individuals in care. Founded 20 years ago, The Refuge is a public utility recognized foundation with the objective of welcoming and protecting young LGBTQ+ individuals who are victims of family rejection. With its teams of employees and volunteers, The Refuge Foundation provides housing and support to LGBTQ+ youth, aged 14 to 25, who have experienced homophobia or transphobia and are in situations of family breakdown, helping them with their emotional and material recovery. The 16 departmental delegations of The Refuge Foundation offer young people in distress housing in apartments or shelter houses, along with social, medical, psychological, and legal support. The Refuge also operates a Place of Life and Support (LVA) for LGBTQ+ minors in Gard, a reception facility for LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers (DENH) in Maine-et-Loire (Angers), and a program in partnership with the OriZon association for LGBTQ+ youth in Réunion.
Le Refuge (Haute-Garonne)
LLink to the presentation >>>
LE REFUGE
The current work in the Occitanie region is focused on inclusion and diversity for three specific target groups: young people with disabilities, young people in rural areas, and young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods. Samba Résille is coordinating these efforts, commissioned by the Regional Directorate of Youth, Sports, and Social Cohesion (Drajes Occitanie). The goal is to highlight any European cooperation activities related to these topics and provide analyses based on field experiences and participant testimonials. The results from the project have been partially integrated to contribute to the development of a public platform in the form of an accessible Genially presentation, which will be freely available. These ongoing efforts also involve discussions with thematic experts from the Erasmus+ Youth Agency. The tool is expected to be online by the end of 2023.
An issue enriched by the critique of our practices
The arrangement of physical spaces and artistic and cultural events:
- What new inclusive standards should be applied to promote access to artistic and cultural venues and events for all minorities?
- Should explicit written messages be displayed?
- Should symbols such as LGBTQI+ community flags be displayed?
- Should a charter for welcoming and supporting audiences be drafted?
- The responsibility of venues: where does it begin and where does it end?
- Access to the services of cultural venues: what fair practices?
- Mediation: what ethical stance in support?
- What new approaches to promote youth engagement?
- What is the added value of alternative forms of youth activism for cultural venues?
- Why youth generations' activism?
- Why does youth activism challenge the conception of engagement of older generations?
- What do these terms encompass?
- Can we have a common understanding of them?
- Are there different approaches?
- Cultural fusion vs. cultural appropriation Privilege, dominant culture, decolonizing minds, woke culture... new standards of thought to consider?
In addition, the exploration of artistic and cultural experiences in each national context regarding minority artistic expressions and alternative cultural and social experiments helped to illustrate, understand, and accept the convergences and divergences among the participants on the subject of the inclusion of minorities by and in art.
Analysis (and critique) of our practices of inclusion by and in art of minorities:The discussions during the three stages of collaborative work focused on the following themes within the framework of reflection sub-groups and plenary sessions around the following questions:
Bajo el Mar is a cultural association that holds the fundamental value of culture as an essential bond for "living together." They advocate for culture that is accessible to all and for all. Bajo el Mar's mission is the promotion of arts and culture. Their team has been driving, supporting, and developing innovative and transdisciplinary artistic projects for over 10 years. Today, their activity is structuredaround four main areas:
- Production/Diffusion of concerts
- Artist support
- Project engineering
- Cultural mediation
- Training
Bajo el mar
BAJO EL MAR
Espace des diversités et de la laïcité is located in the center of Toulouse. This municipal facility is at the forefront of the fight against discrimination, which is a prerequisite for any political and citizen action. It offers exhibitions, screenings, debates, conferences, and access to rights services, promoting diversity, secularism, equality, and human rights. It also hosts LGBTQI+ community associations, the Toulouse Council of Foreign Residents, and implements initiatives from the Gender Equality Action Plan of the City of Toulouse. The German and Finnish participants were able to delve into the concept of secularism and its implications. They acknowledged the existence of spaces for LGBTQI+ individuals but also provided constructive criticism regarding the range of audiences targeted. This included the lack of dedicated space for ethnic minorities and concerns about the vocabulary used by the facility's staff when discussing gender-related issues. Despite the goal of being open to all individuals facing vulnerability, there was a need for greater engagement with current societal concerns. However, it was noted that the facility proactively engages with young people through internships and civic service programs, which has contributed to ongoing improvements in their activities.
Espace des diversités et de la laïcitéDiversity and Secularism Space
EDL
The expanded networks for each of the organizations now allow them to broaden their fields of action and rely on communities to create cooperation on new projects or support initiatives that benefit people with disabilities, those from ethnic minorities, or belonging to the LGBTQI+ community. This is manifested concretely through a regional organization in the form of an accredited Consortium in the field of Adult Education. Coordinated by Samba Résille, it has been considered by the leaders of Caisa and Piranha Arts as a best practice to replicate. Furthermore, through an increase in the awareness of Samba Résille's staff regarding social inclusion and engagement issues, the Consortium has significantly expanded and now has 10 members, including organizations that primarily focus on European priorities related to diversity, inclusion, and civic engagement, and are part of European educational networks with 33 European partners in 2023.
WIDENING THE CONSORTIUM The "Art Against" project confirmed our need to open up to organizations with more experience and recognition in the field of inclusion for specific target groups. As a result, our consortium expanded from 4 to 10 associations in 2023, including:
- Be-Art, specializing in advocating for vulnerable artists, particularly women from war-torn countries or LGBT+ individuals from countries with homophobic laws.
- Le Polymorphe, based in Marseille, working to combat misogyny, sexism, and empower women in society.
- Contre Chant, aimed at enriching the lives of elderly individuals through choral singing, community building, and introducing them to European mobility opportunities.
- Bajo El Mar, with the goal of promoting young hip-hop artists from underprivileged neighborhoods in the city.
Foresight support from the Consortium for an association of autistic individuals towards European mobility in collaboration with the Occitanie Regional Council, following a presentation of the project's results to a European Parliament Member and Vice President of the Region.
A substantial amount of work was also carried out prior to the in-person activities among the leaders of the organizations regarding the vocabulary used in English, the working language of the project. This work involved reflection, definition, and the exchange of views to clarify the concept of vulnerability, drawing on the inclusion and diversity strategy of the European Union. It also extended the discussion to specificities related to the histories of each country, the concepts used by each, the methodologies and pedagogical approaches deployed, as well as the philosophical references of each, including the concept of secularism.
Selected TERMS for Vocabulary Exploration
Equity
Social Work
Artistic Mediation
Cultural Diversity
Capabilities
Vulnerable Individuals / People in Vulnerable Situations
Sécurités vs vulnérabilités
Social Inclusion Through Art
Best Practice
Objectifs / résultats / impacts
4 CONCEPTS Subject to Extensive Discussion
Artistic mediation
Cultural diversity
Vulnerability
Securities VS Vulnerabilities
A Necessary Semantic Precision Work
Oyoun
Oyoun
Oyoun conceives, develops, and implements artistic and cultural projects from decolonial, queer, feminist, and migrant perspectives by creating closed spaces for critical debate, reflexive experimentation, and radical solidarity. It is a unique project, funded by public authorities, which recreates the conditions for individuals from minorities to no longer feel like minorities within the space and practices exclusion of "representatives of the dominant, white, and European culture" if any of the individuals from minorities are affected by discourse or behavior related to "cultural appropriation." During these discussion modules, vocabulary has often been a subject of debate among the participants, making it important to analyze new words or re-explain the meaning of a term in order to understand Oyoun's actions. The participants took part in modules concerning the question of privileges and the principle of inclusion through exclusion. They were able to embrace another perspective developed on living together and the necessity, as Oyoun sees it, of building it by "decolonizing minds."
PRIDE TOULOUSE is an association and collective organization that currently brings together more than 45 groups in the Occitanie region.It advocates for respecting differences related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and fights against all forms of discrimination.Each year, it coordinates and organizes the Festival, the Village, and the Pride Parade. The mobility week in Toulouse was integrated into this event with the participation of all the delegations.Hosted by the Beart association, the "Art in Opposition" project was highlighted and shared at the Pride Village booth. All participants then proudly followed the Samba Résille batucada group, which led the Pride Parade with music on June 10, 2023.
The Pride of Toulouse
Pride
As a cultural facility affiliated with the municipal network of the City of Helsinki, Caisa actively contributed to the design of the Personnel Equality and Non-Discrimination Plan. Since its personnel are directly employed by the city, the project's experience was incorporated into the ongoing work.
Samba Résille coordinated the writing of the application for the UNESCO Creative Cities Music label for the City of Toulouse at the request of its cultural department. This was due to the organization's recognized experience in European and international collaborations and its network of partners from other creative cities, including Helsinki (Helsinki | Creative Cities Network) and Berlin (Berlin | Creative Cities Network), both of which are designated as creative cities in the Design category. The results of UNESCO's designation will be announced on October 30, 2023.
Piranha Arts organizes the Carnival of Cultures (Startseite | Karneval der Kulturen), a large-scale event and one of Berlin's most significant showcases of its cultural diversity. The cooperation within the project served as a basis for Piranha Arts to highlight its networking capabilities with other carnivals worldwide to the authorities of the Berlin City Hall. It also demonstrated the organization's ability to address fundamental issues related to cultural diversity at the European level.
Equality plan to which Caisa, as a municipal organization, has contributed.
Dissemination of Project Results to the Youth and Adult Education Sector in Collaboration with the Two Erasmus+ France Agencies Samba Résille led a regional training plan for youth organizations in Occitanie with the aim of promoting the development of European and international mobility for young people and their engagement. This plan is part of the regional strategy of the DRAJES Occitanie, which includes actions for continuing education between formal and non-formal education. This training plan is carried out in collaboration with the Erasmus+ Youth and Sports Agency and complements the coordination of a national training platform in the adult education sector with the Erasmus+ Education and Training Agency, with the Toulouse leg hosted by Samba Résille. Finally, during the Erasmus+ National Conference to be held in Toulouse at the Occitanie Regional Council, the project results will be presented in the plenary session "How can the Erasmus+ program be a lever for civic engagement?"
Writing Workshop: "Does My Project Idea Fit into the Erasmus+ Programme for Adult Education?"
Annual Conference : Erasmus+: supporting active citizenship in Europe !
IMPLEMENTATION
Activities aimed at jointly strengthening the Consortium's staff were implemented in the form of roundtable discussions, meetings, and training seminars, supported by concurrent transnational project management and learning outcome monitoring meetings in Helsinki, Berlin, and Toulouse. These activities revolved around:
- Inclusive standards conducive to providing access to artistic and cultural venues and events for individuals with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and ethnic minorities.
- Ethical stance in support and equitable practices in the range of activities offered.
- The responsibility of cultural venues to consider the activist commitments of the younger generations regarding minority inclusion, which are reshaping the concept of engagement from the older generations.
- Public policies for social and artistic inclusion of minorities.
The activities undertaken in the "L'art en Contre" project include the diffusion of teachings, testimonials, tools, and best practices within the partner organizations for integration into daily actions.Additionally, the project has organized peer-to-peer roundtable discussions to address topics of divergence and promote understanding.Furthermore, the integration of Pride Month celebrations into the cultural seasons of the three partner organizations has been a key component of the project's activities.
Exploration
CONSENSUS
DÉCONSTRUCTION
DIVERGENCE
Public policies
The establishment of a comprehensive practice of minority inclusion at the European level, which is a consensus, is a commendable but complex objective to achieve due to the diversity of cultures, traditions, and national approaches within the European Union (EU). Measures can contribute to promoting a comprehensive practice of minority inclusion at the European level. However, based on our exchange of ideas on this topic within the project, complete consensus may be challenging to achieve due to cultural, political, and social differences among member states, citizen approaches influenced by their lived experiences and philosophical references.Nevertheless, we believe that a strong commitment to promoting minority inclusion within the EU can lead to significant progress toward a consensus on fundamental human rights and equality values and objectives. Some efforts and EU guidelines have been or can be adopted to promote a more coherent approach to minority inclusion at the European level while considering cultural diversities and national contexts.
Anti-discrimination legislation:The EU has established anti-discrimination legislation that prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, and sexual orientation. This legislation forms a crucial legal framework to ensure equality of rights and opportunities for minorities. Promotion of cultural diversity:The EU actively encourages member states to promote cultural diversity through cultural policies, educational and artistic programs, and cultural events that celebrate the richness of different traditions and identities. Inclusion and diversity have been prioritized by the EU. Education and awareness:Education and awareness programs can be developed to inform citizens about issues related to minority inclusion, combat stereotypes, and encourage intercultural understanding. Erasmus+ is a program that includes various instruments for intervention, particularly among young people.
Partnerships and exchanges:Collaboration among EU member states, cultural organizations, artists, and mediators can facilitate the exchange of best practices in minority inclusion. Transnational cultural projects can strengthen the ties between different European cultures. The EU has adopted a new cultural policy, the New European Bauhaus, which revolves around inclusion, sustainability, and aesthetics. Consultation of minority communities:Actively consulting with minority communities themselves is essential to understand their needs, aspirations, and concerns. Their involvement in decision-making is crucial for effective inclusion. Evaluation and adaptation:Policies and practices for minority inclusion must be regularly evaluated and adjusted to account for changing needs and realities. Social and political dialogue:The EU can facilitate dialogue among governments, civil society organizations, minority groups, and other stakeholders to develop inclusive policies and practices. Programs focused on structured dialogues can be directed toward this priority.
After attending Drag performances in Berlin with members of the French and German teams, Mathilde, a member of Samba Résille, decided to explore this form of art by creating her own Drag King persona and collaborating with Toulouse-based artists and organizations to put on her own Drag show - DragVision - at Samba Résille on the last day of the third mobility in Toulouse. This show was innovative and daring, bringing together four Drag Queens and four Drag Kings, with the former being more widely publicized and visible on stage than the latter, who were more niche and politically engaged. Given the success of the event, which attracted a new, diverse, and younger audience to the venue, Mathilde approached the programming manager at Samba Résille to plan and organize new shows throughout the season, with one per quarter. On Friday, June 9th at 8:30 PM, Dragvision showcased 4 drag kings and 4 drag queens igniting the stage with unique solo and collective performances for this pre-Pride event in Toulouse. Featuring artists Ranael, Saga, Mona Mour, Marlena Kerr, Fluke, Etta Courgette, Charles Hot, and Rafael de la Manche.
DRAGVISION
Lien vers le témoignage de Mathilde >>>
Carnival of the Future is an initiative presented to us by Artistania.The organizers explain that "environmental awareness has gained strong momentum in recent years, for example with the 'Fridays for Future' movement. However, this awareness of environmental issues, particularly as portrayed in the media, is primarily directed at more affluent populations. The resulting social injustice is increasingly criticized by various climate actors." Therefore, they aim to "establish an intersectional ecological awareness process that works to no longer separate environmental issues from social activism." Through cooperation with schools, youth groups, neighborhood associations, and more, they want to "open the debate and encourage local communities' engagement," relying on "artistic expression and forming opinions," which are expected to "strengthen intergenerational and cultural relationships." Their approach is to "explore the environmental topic through art, humor, and poetry with a spirit of sharing." They explain that "the carnival symbolizes new beginnings and social catharsis. After months of social distancing, we see the parade as a way to combat loneliness and strengthen feelings of belonging and shared reflections for a better future. The carnival parade brings art and debates to the streets."
Carnival of the Future
Artistania
vidéo presentation
A member of Samba Résille, Sully is a young multidisciplinary artist, a drawer, and a videographer, currently a student at the Beaux-Arts in Toulouse.He is the creator of a guide on mental disorders and neuroatypies presented in the form of illustrated cards. During the project, Sully brought his camera with him everywhere. He collected images of the participants, workshops, and the cultural life in Helsinki and Berlin during the mobilities.This video, filmed and edited by Sully, offers a beautiful artistic perspective of the "L'Art en Contre" project.
Caisa is an international cultural center in Helsinki, Finland, established in 1966. Caisa operates within the Culture and Leisure Division of the City of Helsinki, supported by a team of 10 professionals selected for their complementary expertise and experience, along with approximately 400 volunteers each year. Its activities benefit over 10,000 direct beneficiaries annually. The Culture and Leisure Division manages several cultural centers, each offering a program based on their unique characteristics throughout the year. In the summer, the city's cultural offerings are further enhanced by the Espa stage. Events are organized in close collaboration with Helsinki's arts and culture sector to develop the region into a culturally rich area by promoting arts, culture, and creativity. To this end, the City provides a wide range of services to residents, including cultural events, performances, exhibitions, courses, and arts education. Through these services, the City of Helsinki aims to ensure that its culture is diverse and accessible to all.
CAISA - Helsinki, Finland
CAISA within the project Art Against
The partnership stems from a previous co-production, Nyctalope, carried out by Samba Résille and Caisa in Toulouse and Helsinki - a participatory performance on the topic of women at night in public spaces. To contribute to the project, Caisa mobilized its staff, experts in the latest approaches to the inclusion of minorities and the fight against discrimination. Their rigorous and informed methodology helped refine the project's terminology and issues.
CAISA
Sandra is a photographer for major French press agencies. One of her professional niches is capturing images during street protests. Artistically, she has also developed work focused on resilience, particularly after the traumatic events of 2015 in Paris. With her sociological perspective, she closely examines the group of participants, each of whom she will portray through an intimate, sometimes secret object that always highlights the individual within the group, the one within the many, the emotional within the pragmatic.
In reference to Magritte's concept of "The Treachery of Images," I proposed to all the members of the group formed by Samba Résille, Caisa Cultural Center, and Piranha Arts for the Erasmus+ project "Art in Counter," to photograph the fetish objects that each person brings with them or carries on them for a journey to Helsinki. These objects are not just objects. They tell a personal, sometimes intimate story and allow people to get to know one another. The group comprises several personalities, histories, and professional backgrounds, bringing together different generations as well.
OBJECTIVES
This project aimed to facilitate access to the cultural sector in all its components (creation, production, dissemination) and in all artistic, technical, or managerial professions for individuals with physical, sensory, and/or mental disabilities, or those facing social, economic, geographic, or cultural barriers, the target groups of the project. To achieve this, the project implementation sought to:
- Help the Consortium's staff move beyond the dichotomy of art and social mediation in their processes of welcoming and supporting vulnerable individuals by enhancing their emotional resources, relational skills, and procedural know-how to build tailored responses to the uniqueness of the supported audiences.
- Strengthen the inclusive capacities of the organizations regarding the diversity of cultural expression forms by questioning their ethics, social responsibility, motivation, and determination to establish creative, managerial, legal, material, economic, pedagogical, emotional, and philosophical safeguards in favor of vulnerable individuals.
The three partner organizations have incorporated an open and inclusive programming approach in the development of their cultural seasons.This includes a formal commitment to welcome and promote the participation of people from all ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, etc., reflecting the diversity of cultures and experiences. It involves featuring artists and performances from these communities. Each organization strives to offer special events, such as exhibitions or themed evenings, celebrating cultural diversity and the LGBTQI+ identity as a valuable wealth of experiences.Eventually, they aim to co-create an inclusion and engagement charter that will be signed by all staff and learners of each venue and displayed in the physical and virtual spaces of each organization.
LEARNING NON-VIOLENT COMMUNICATION (NVC) WITH ARTISTANIA During the discussions that took place during the first mobility in Helsinki, there was a need to improve the exchanges, which tended to become tense among those who represented different inclusion methods. Claire Chaulet, a participant from the German team and the president of Artistania, proposed pacifying the debates by offering a method of non-violent communication and facilitation based on writing and drawing: the "fried egg" method. This helped express certain things in a less confrontational manner, redirect future exchanges, and encourage the participation of individuals who were more reserved. Following the introduction of these group facilitation methods, Samba Résille decided to return to Berlin in March 2023 during an Erasmus+ mobility, hosted by Claire's organization, Artistania. This mobility was aimed at Samba Résille's own volunteer and staff members and had the objectives of facilitating communication, public speaking, addressing sensitive or complex topics, and becoming familiar with non-violent communication. It was also an opportunity for each participant to become aware of the privileges they have experienced or not in their lives. In this exercise, first tested within the framework of L'Art en Contre in Oyoun as a questionnaire, it was now carried out physically in a room. Each person who had experienced privilege or had never experienced discrimination in a specific area would take a step forward. The differences between individuals became evident and eye-opening in the physical space. Upon returning from this mobility, participants' involvement in the association, as well as their listening and expressive skills, significantly improved. Their perception of the effectiveness of projects undertaken by the association and European programs also improved.
Link to the mobility content report
Contribution to European priorities on social inclusion, common values, civic engagement, and participation The project aligned with the program's priorities by promoting social inclusion, sharing common values, equality, social inclusion, diversity, and non-discrimination. It also encouraged active citizenship, civic engagement, participation, and awareness of the European Union through innovative approaches and the creation of inclusive dialogue spaces.Its contributions are at several levels:
Social Inclusion Integrated and Innovative Approaches The project adopted integrated and innovative approaches to promote social inclusion. By encouraging reflection on inclusion through art, it created spaces for dialogue and collaboration among artists, cultural organizations, and minority audiences. These innovative approaches were shared among project partners, facilitating the development of new inclusion practices.
Reduction of Disparities The project aimed to reduce disparities in access to culture by focusing on the inclusion of artists and audiences from minority backgrounds. By promoting equitable access to artistic opportunities, it contributed to reducing inequalities in the cultural sector.
Fight against Discrimination and Racism The project addressed issues of discrimination and racism by highlighting the challenges faced by artists from minority backgrounds. It encouraged reflection on discriminatory practices and supported initiatives aimed at combating these issues.
Integrated and Innovative Approaches The project embraced integrated and innovative approaches to promote social inclusion. By fostering reflection on inclusion through art, it created spaces for dialogue and collaboration among artists, cultural organizations, and minority audiences. These innovative approaches were shared among project partners, promoting the development of new inclusion practices.
Common Values, Civic Engagement, and ParticipationActive Citizenship and Ethics The project promoted active citizenship by encouraging critical reflection on cultural and social issues. It facilitated the development of social and intercultural skills by creating opportunities for exchange and dialogue among participants with diverse perspectives. Participation in Democratic Life The project encouraged participation in democratic life by creating spaces for debate on cultural inclusion issues and giving participants the opportunity to express themselves and share their views. It contributed to strengthening social and civic engagement. Awareness of the European Union The project raised participants' awareness of the common values of the European Union, particularly regarding unity in diversity. By fostering an understanding of European cultural and social issues, it contributed to enhancing the sense of European citizenship.
Oliana started the project as a member and Civic Service volunteer at Samba Résille and is now employed as a coordinator for local cultural and associative actions. During the first mobility week in Helsinki, she created portraits of the German, Finnish, and French participants.As an expert in portraiture, she contributes to the project with a sensitive gaze, neither too distant nor too close, yet close enough to establish undeniable trust with her subjects. A discreet incursion reflects on the faces she reshapes through the play of luminous windows, open doors, and everyday gestures, illuminating the personalities of her subjects. Her black and white shots highlight the endearing personalities of the participants and their joy in being present under the benevolence of her photographic lens.
Adrien Camon is a member of the AVEC association, an organization that works for inclusion and aims to connect with others. They implement various creative programs in collaboration with local residents to discover and celebrate human diversity and richness. We met them through their culinary workshops, which take place once a week at Samba Résille. Adrien Camon, an instructor in the culinary workshop, has a deep understanding of social and culinary matters, having completed a master's degree in Applied Social Sciences in Food. He shared insights from his thesis on this topic, which aligns perfectly with the discussions among the participants. The idea is that "Close links can be observed between food, the symbols we attribute to it, and the social norms that surround us. From this principle, it becomes almost evident that the consumption of a food inevitably leads to the consumption of its symbol. It even involves the appropriation of the symbol, immediately expanding food beyond purely nutritional aspects."
Adrien Camon (association AVEC)
AVEC
Link to Chapter 1 of Adrien's thesis >>>
Before the activities of virtual meetings took place between the leaders of the three organizations. These activities of virtual transnational meetings were necessary due to the Covid-related restriction period, which delayed the project's implementation. They aimed to:
- Analyze the evaluation feedback on the application and its consideration.
- Organize the various phases of the project accordingly.
- Build a common working framework and vocabulary, including an agreement on what is meant by vulnerability in each of the contexts.
Validation of the logical framework
Best practices: a practice that an organization or an individual possesses and that leads to good results. It can be innovative or not, but it is recognized as something that improves the quality of daily work. Example: Samba Résille uses music (Brazilian percussion known as "Batucada") to include individuals with disabilities. Samba Résille includes vulnerable volunteer members of its staff in mobility programs to acquire skills and self-confidence, allowing them to enrich the associative project and engage in governance.
Vulnerable artists: artists facing difficulties or discrimination based on their gender, race, economic background, etc.
Activities: conferences and debates / artistic workshops. The co-constructed learning contents by the partners must take into account what was proposed in the logical framework presented during the application to adapt it to local contexts and enrich it. Simultaneity of learning activities and transnational meetings has been unanimously adopted to facilitate project monitoring and evaluation of its results and impacts on all stakeholders.
Participants: 14 participants from each organization (2 managers for transnational meetings and 12 staff members, employees, or volunteers involved in the organization.Desired profiles: individuals who are managerial / artistic / sociocultural mediators and, if possible, combine expertise in at least two of these fields. The audience associated with the training activities was then defined by the leaders of the three organizations. Each one had to organize a call for applications targeting project participants among their personnel members on a professional or voluntary basis, including actors, artists, cultural operators, managers, and mediators who actively cooperate and contribute to their affiliated organization's project. The call for applications was drafted in the form of a questionnaire that inquired about each candidate's main motivations and their primary experiences, skills, and abilities related to the topic of artistic mediation in social work and social mediation in artistic work.
Project objective
Focus
Facilitate access for vulnerable individuals to the cultural sector.
Vulnerable artists / social and cultural mediation / social inclusion through the arts. It is a project for exchanging best practices.
Project methodology
Lessons for cultural organizations on welcoming minorities
Interrogating the inclusion practices of the three partners through their physical spaces and organized events (Carnivals, Professional Fairs, etc.) has helped identify several parameters which, when combined, facilitate a comprehensive consideration of all the needs related to the safety of people from minorities facing obstacles.
Inclusion and Diversity Policies: Organizations should develop and implement formal inclusion and diversity policies. This includes a commitment to welcoming and promoting the participation of individuals from all ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, etc. It is recommended to have all staff and invited venue users (artists and other contributors) sign a charter.Diverse Programming: Cultural organizations should ensure diverse programming that reflects the plurality of society. This may involve presenting works by artists from minority backgrounds and representing various perspectives in exhibitions, performances, and events.Financial Accessibility: It's essential to offer pricing options that allow a wide range of people, including those with low incomes, to access cultural events. This can include reduced rates, free tickets for disadvantaged communities, or cultural access programs for youth and students.Training and Awareness: Staff members of cultural organizations should receive training on diversity, equity, and inclusion. This makes them more aware of issues specific to minorities and better equipped to serve a diverse audience.
Educational and Awareness Programs:Cultural organizations can develop educational and awareness programs for schools and local communities. These programs can help educate young people and adults about the cultures and experiences of minorities. Community Partnerships:Collaborating with local community organizations and groups from ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+, or other backgrounds can help build stronger connections with these communities and better understand their needs. Consultation and Feedback:Actively involving members of minority groups in the decision-making process and seeking their feedback is crucial. Organizations can host focus groups, surveys, and meetings to gather input and adjust their practices accordingly. Transparency and Accountability:Cultural organizations should be transparent about their efforts to promote inclusion and diversity. This may include publishing annual reports on progress in this area. Inclusive Leadership:Encouraging diversity in the leadership and staff of cultural organizations is essential to truly reflect the diversity of society in all aspects of their work.
Physical and Digital Accessibility:Ensuring that physical venues and digital platforms are accessible to all is crucial. This includes creating physically accessible spaces for people with disabilities and developing websites and applications that comply with accessibility standards.
Frexberg; gouache technique and eraser painting: Participants were able to experiment with various techniques led by Sabine, an art teacher, using models from catalogs or based on their own inspiration. This session took place in the company of school children, who contributed and advised the adults as they learned the eraser technique, which allows the creation of transparent transfers on a drawing. At the end of this workshop, the drawings were exhibited in the school's garden.
Saturday, October 21st at 3 PM José Cabanis Media Library - Grand Auditorium (Level -1) "Invictus." Unconquered. This is the title of the poem that Nelson Mandela sent to the captain of the Springboks while South Africa was preparing for the 1995 Rugby World Cup. One year earlier, the famous political prisoner had become the president of a country that had just emerged from apartheid. The future was still uncertain, and it would take all of Mandela's political genius to engage South African society in a common future, that of the "Rainbow Nation" - a resilience based on non-violence and respect for diversity. With skill, Mandela managed to combine this immense political challenge and the sporting challenge of the World Cup, transformed into a tool for national reconciliation. Marlene le Roux, a South African cultural figure and activist, and Sophie Dulucq, a French historian, will discuss this moment in history and its legacy in a South Africa that still heals the wounds of apartheid today. Additional information: The conference will be preceded by a concert by Samba Résille, Fanfarnaüm, and À bout de souffle, who will present a festive repertoire resulting from a long-standing partnership with Artscape, a cultural organization directed by Marlene Le Roux in the city of Cape Town. In partnership with Samba Résille.
We are considering further adapting our approach to the digital age by developing projects that use social media and online platforms to promote social and cultural inclusion. This would allow us to reach a broader and more diverse audience by creating short posts and videos of testimonials from actions implemented in the months and years ahead, and by engaging in public debate spaces.
Following the presentation of the intercultural and inclusive cooking workshops, Samba Chef and Autour de la table, during the mobility in Toulouse, and after Adrien Camon from the AVEC association spoke on the topic of "Cuisine and Gender," and Stéphane Robert from the Cricao association discussed intercultural cooking mobilities, potential project ideas were discussed among the partners. The intention is to develop a project focused on the inclusion of refugees and other marginalized groups, such as the homeless, using a similar approach based on culinary skills, design, and culinary fusion to leverage the culinary expertise of the target audiences.
Access to music in working-class neighborhoods! Meeting with Tess Rousseau and Sébastien Benazet. Topophone is an association that implements a program to provide access to music in priority neighborhoods and rural areas in Haute-Garonne. Topophone works within school and specialized structures as part of a music creation program (involving 2000 young people in 2023). The participants were able to see the extent of the public service delegation granted to the association, which has demonstrated the excellence of its music education programs and its efforts to promote the artistic mobility of young people from working-class neighborhoods through Erasmus+ Youth funding.
Topophone
Topophone
Link to the presentation >>>
Sully, a member of Samba Résille, is a young multidisciplinary artist, illustrator, and videographer currently studying at the Fine Arts School in Toulouse.He has created a guide on mental disorders and neurodiversity presented in the form of illustrated cards. Sully also presented a societal aspect of his work through a video series called "GeneraZYon." Frustrated by the pessimistic and stereotyped narratives surrounding the younger generations, he has created a series of video portraits featuring the influencers of today's youth. The goal of this project was to show that hope still exists and that his generation (and those that follow) is full of hidden talents and a multitude of commitments that deserve to be acknowledged. "In a time when the future of the world remains uncertain and faces numerous economic, social, and ecological threats, what about the youth, the future of society? This project aims to highlight members of Generation Z (1997/2010) and Generation Y (1984/1996). Through this project, I want to emphasize the diversity of youth and explore their various perspectives, feelings, commitments, dreams, disillusionments, and hopes."
GeneraZYon
RESULTS
Through a learning, enriching, and thought-provoking experience, participants gained insights in spaces of both consensus and divergence regarding:
- Parameters that, when combined, promote the consideration of the needs of minorities in cultural spaces.
- Activities that create a welcoming and inclusive environment in cultural venues (or events) and highlight diversity.
- The engagement of young individuals in promoting minority inclusion in and through art, providing an opportunity to rethink activist approaches, innovate in cultural creation, and promote a more inclusive society for older generations.
- Opportunities offered by generational differences in perspectives to enrich the discourse and progress towards a more inclusive society.
- Evolving concepts that play a central role in current debates on cultural diversity, equality, and social justice, the meanings of which can vary depending on cultural and social contexts.
- The challenges of establishing a comprehensive inclusion practice that garners consensus, due to the diversity of approaches in the EU and the experiential and reference backgrounds of citizens.
During peer-to-peer exchanges in the learning activities and among the leaders of partner organizations, focused on the inclusion of minorities through art, consensus reflected the harmony of opinions and shared values. These consensuses played a crucial role in discussions about promoting inclusion and cultural diversity in artistic spaces.These areas of consensus often revolved around fundamental principles, such as respecting cultural diversity, equal opportunities for all artists, and recognizing the value of different artistic expressions. Participants easily recognized the importance of creating equitable opportunities for artists from minorities and highlighting their talents and stories. These consensuses resulted in the listing of collaborative initiatives, such as intercultural festivals or carnivals, inclusive art exhibitions, or educational programs aimed at raising public awareness of cultural diversity. The peer exchanges that took place helped strengthen these consensuses by sharing best practices on developing inclusive standards that facilitate the inclusion of minorities.
Spaces of consensus
Visit the Consensus page
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An illustrator, graphic artist, and author, Maboo is a versatile artist who navigates the worlds of art, journalism, and education. Sensitized to mental health issues, she contributed to the project with her keen perspective from Helsinki to Toulouse.Her drawings offer a personal interpretation of the relationships between the project participants or moments experienced by the artist.
In this way, she will represent the three countries on a branch (lily of the valley for Finland, snail for France, and ladybug for Germany), symbolizing the collaboration between the three nations.
In Helsinki, she will depict the meeting of the partners on the tram that brings us to the Finnish capital and the spirit of collaboration that is already emerging from this encounter. Finally, she will illustrate the hummingbird enjoying the cake of peace and diplomacy, the one offered in Finland and Sweden before any debates and meetings.
A meeting between a photographer, Sébastien, and a circus artist, Ignacio. Both artists found an immediate interest in each other upon their meeting in Helsinki. Sensing the fragile universe of one and the raw aesthetics of the other, the night ultimately brought the two artists together on the streets of the visited cities. Thus, one encapsulated in his parachute and the other with his camera, these two artists wandered through the streets - dark nights and a white parachute - to fulfill their aspirations. These photographs were exhibited in Toulouse during the third and final mobility at the restaurant La Piñata, a partner of Samba Résille. On Thursday, June 8th, a private vernissage was organized, bringing together all the German, Finnish, and French participants around this exhibition, which created new connections in the artistic interstices of these images. The exhibition remained accessible to the Toulouse public for a month.
"The artist is a parachutist. They jump from a plane, a ladder, or another aerial space for a worldview filled with attraction. They risk their life for a suspended moment of poetry, to be able to shout to the world, screaming against the wind, a declaration of love. With a desire for sweetness in the encounter. Sometimes they wear a helmet and goggles for humor, and sometimes they jump without a parachute. In every human being, there is an artist, a parachutist waiting for someone to embrace them to make the first flight. Photos taken in collaboration with the great photographer Sébastien Kinach." - Ignacio
The opening in Toulouse
Photos
Visit the Divergence page
Divergence spaces
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During the same discussions focused on the inclusion of minorities through art, it was inevitable that there would be spaces of divergence, reflecting different perspectives and the complex challenges faced by the creative sector as a whole.These divergences should not be perceived as obstacles but rather as opportunities for critical reflection and growth for all stakeholders. These spaces of divergence could revolve around issues such as strategic approaches to promoting inclusion, funding artistic initiatives related to minorities, or specific artistic priorities.For instance, some may advocate for a more representation-centered approach in art, while others might prefer to emphasize the creation of autonomous artistic spaces for minorities. These divergences could be productive as they were addressed constructively. This collaborative work provided the opportunity for open and inclusive dialogue to explore these questions in depth, learn from different experiences, and seek constructive compromises.These divergences led to disruptive and innovative solutions around the promotion of minority inclusion through art and contributed to enliven and enrich discussions. Inclusion being a complex and evolving process, it was essential to encourage all participants to adopt a flexible and open approach, embracing new approaches and sensitivities regarding cultural diversity and equality in the art world.
Be Art Toulouse is an association with the aim of assisting vulnerable artists who have been affected by wars, natural disasters, political opposition, or discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation in their home countries or in exile.The association organizes art sales exhibitions featuring artists in difficult circumstances, and the proceeds from these sales are used to fund professional projects in areas where artists face significant social and economic challenges. The beneficiaries of these projects are often the artists themselves, who may be organized in local cooperatives, contributing to the enhancement of their professional journey. The association asserts that it places art at the service of decentralized cooperation and aims to increase its local and regional visibility to expand its support for the vulnerable artists it assists. Their recent art sale exhibition took place at Samba Résille and featured female artists from Afghanistan and Ukraine.
Be-Art
Be-Art
"The Academy of Moving People and Images" founded by Erol Mintas is a structure that aims to be disruptive by defining itself as an academy that explores "what it means to decolonize knowledge, education, and institutions in order to challenge the hegemony of European white knowledge, without taking a top-down approach" using video as a means of artistic expression. It provides the network, tools, and materials to individuals from ethnic minorities to create film productions and gain visibility in this field, as they are underrepresented due to their minority status in daily life.We were able to witness an initiative that delves into what the concept of "decolonization of the mind" entails, a subject that sparked contrasting debates among generations of activists among the participants. The expression "decolonize the mind" underscores the need to challenge biases and stereotypes inherited from colonization, which have often hindered the inclusion of minorities. This approach calls for a reevaluation of cultural norms and giving voice to indigenous and minority cultural perspectives.
Academy of moving people and images
Dessin de Laurence
Academy of moving people and images
Meeting and visit to the school with David Reuter and Sabine Hilscher-Rebstock, teachers, along with about a dozen other teachers and several dozens of children and young people. Fri-X is a school located in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg.It's a place where things are being invented, now for 5 years, together with the children. A place to discuss and explain the world. It's an art school for young people from Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg! Fri-X, a school where the world is explained through creative dialogue among the youth, offered participants workshops in visual arts, beatboxing, and theater. The participants witnessed a dialogue between young Ukrainians and Russians. These activities are led by experienced artists who are either in residence at the school or part of its permanent staff.
Fri-X
Fri-X
The project has had a significant impact on strengthening institutional links for each of the partner organizations while significantly expanding their networks of stakeholders. This network expansion was a direct result of the activities and collaborations implemented as part of the project, as well as the opportunities for sharing experiences and best practices. First and foremost, it is important to note that this project brought together organizations based in three different European metropolises: Helsinki, Berlin, and Toulouse. Collaboration among these organizations through the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and skills has strengthened their institutional capacities in the field of cultural inclusion and expanded their networks of stakeholders by involving participants and experts from the fields of artistic mediation, social work, and cultural activism, thereby enriching their perspectives.
Following the observation of a lack of LGBTQIA+ community members within Samba Résille, especially young people from these minorities, ongoing efforts are being made to create relevant communication tools to make the organization's desire and ability to welcome them visible. This applies to their physical location, workshops, concerts, exhibitions, as well as volunteer opportunities within the organization. Digital tools (websites, social media, and others) and on-site displays (storefront, member areas) will emphasize the willingness to welcome all audiences. This communication may also be accompanied by specific actions in dedicated spaces, such as having a booth at the pride village in Toulouse in collaboration with BeArt. The aim is to increase LGBTQIA+ events, such as DragVision implemented as part of the Art Against project, which successfully facilitated the connection between Samba Résille and a young LGBTQIA+ audience. Additionally, important international days such as International Women's Day, Pride Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, International Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture, World Autism Awareness Day, World Mental Health Day, and more are now included in the programming of the three organizations: Samba Résille, Piranha Arts, and Caisa.
PERSONAL JOURNEY OF A MEMBER One of the participants from the Samba Résille team, Mathilde, was particularly impacted by the project. During the presentation of her association, which was described as inclusive and gay-friendly, she highlighted that it did not attract enough lesbian women but rather more gay men. The discussions shifted towards issues of sexuality and gender rather than the inclusion of disabled individuals. There were generational conflicts between older activists who had long been involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy and a younger generation more familiar with contemporary concepts and issues. After attending Drag shows in Berlin with members of the French and German teams, Mathilde was inspired to create her own Drag King persona. She approached artists and organizations in Toulouse to organize her own Drag show at Samba Résille. Following the success of the event, which attracted a diverse and younger audience to their venue, Mathilde worked with the programming manager at Samba Résille to plan and organize more Drag shows throughout the season. Desiring to professionalize herself in the art of Drag, Mathilde undertook an individual 8-day Erasmus+ mobility to Artistania in August 2023 to create a life-sized puppet representing the patriarchy, which she can carry in a suitcase and interact with on stage. She has since performed at SchwuZ, one of the largest clubs in Berlin.
Samba Résille is developing a range of culinary activities based on the principles of associative, intercultural, and inclusive cooking. Two initiatives, "Samba Chef" and "Around the Table," have been selected and are the focus of regular workshops that will be continued into the 2023-2024 season:
- "Samba Chef" workshops take an intercultural approach to cooking. Beyond sharing culinary techniques, the world recipes prepared during the workshops are contextualized by the chef who presents them. This can involve personal stories about encounters with different cultures or a broader exploration of the culinary customs from which the recipe originates.
- The Toulouse-based organization AVEC hosts "Around the Table" cooking workshops every Tuesday in Samba Résille's premises. These workshops are designed as part of the Tiers-lieux program by the Directorate of Solidarity and Social Cohesion of the Toulouse City Hall. Their objective is to promote social interaction and provide free food items for people without housing who are staying in hotels in the Toulouse region.
Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) is a large event organized by our partner, Piranha Arts, in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin. Stemming from an anti-racist demonstration in 1996 as a response to xenophobic riots and racist attacks in Rostock-Lichtenhagen, this carnival brings together 1 million people every year with the following aims: To enhance the visibility of the various cultures in Berlin. To promote intercultural and intergenerational exchanges. To nurture creativity among the public through a wide range of activities and workshops. During our mobility in Berlin, Anna, a participant in our project and the producer of the Carnival of Cultures, gave us a tour of the Carnival House (Haus des Karnevals), which serves as the administrative and logistical center of the Carnival. It is also a cultural center that hosts local and international projects and initiatives related to the Carnival.This venue provides a diverse range of people with the space to work on their artistic projects for the Carnival parade, with the cost of materials being covered by the Carnival of Cultures. Numerous rooms are made available so that all groups can create their structures, costumes, choreographies, and more. It is a place that fosters the mobilization and cohesion of everyone involved!
The Carnival of Cultures
The Carnival of Cultures
CONTEXT
The Art Against project was born in 2020 in a devastating context for cultural employment and the inclusion of the most vulnerable, characterized by:
- An anxiety-inducing atmosphere due to the rise of fundamentalist expressions and identity retreats, which create invisible boundaries of ghettoization between social groups, penalizing the most vulnerable.
- Economic fragility in the cultural sector linked to increased security budgets at the expense of artistic budgets due to the risk of terrorist attacks.
- A cascade of event cancellations due to the Coronavirus.
- Renewing their thinking.
- Analyzing their intermediation practices.
- Examining their social function with the most vulnerable.
- Deepening their understanding of ethics and values to be upheld in mediation.
- Creating spaces for the critical examination of their role as "agents of social peace regulation."
- Confronting themselves with other creative practices and inclusive expertise.
First Meeting in Helsinki:Initial Proposals Challenged by Activism
On the first day of the project, after the participants and partner organizations were introduced, a debate arose regarding issues of representation and legitimacy when discussing vulnerability in a society characterized by some participants as perpetuating a dominant culture rooted in centuries of sexism, slavery, and colonization, and less inclined to make room for the expression of all cultural sensitivities and social groups within it.
"Can an organization address the vulnerability of minorities without having representatives from those minorities among its staff?"
"Do we have the legitimacy to address the cultural expressions of minorities without them, and should we step aside when we are considered representatives of the dominant culture?"
These questions, conversations, and exchanges among participants, important to some, uncomfortable for others, led the project coordinators to collaborate and propose as the framework and guiding thread of our cooperation the exploration of everything related to the inclusion of minorities in and through art.This final adjustment in the project was made to accommodate different approaches, philosophies, and sensitivities, as well as to understand that each participant voluntarily engaged in the project under the project's English title, "Art Against." This title implied that we would reflect on art "against" a dominant and outdated socio-political order for some, and for others, it was an opportunity to contemplate art as a means to counter exclusion and marginalization within certain groups of people in the cultural landscape.These conversations, even the uncomfortable ones, could now commence within spaces of consensus and spaces of divergence.
The ENCC is the European network of cultural centers founded in 1994 with the goal of promoting dialogue and cooperation among socially-oriented cultural centers in Europe. It is one of the 36 "networks of networks," key stakeholders in European Commission cultural policies, and is funded as a European Platform by Creative Europe. Samba Résille has been a member of this network since May 2021, in the midst of implementing the project. Membership in the network directly impacts the project because this network consists of 3,000 cultural venues in 27 countries that interact directly with communities and citizens. It also includes cultural professionals and other types of cultural promotion organizations as associate members. The ENCC regularly organizes meetings, conferences, training sessions, and staff exchanges, aiming to collect data to create tools and publications that are useful for everyone on topics related to cultural equality, interculturality, cultural democratization, and active citizenship through participation in cultural activities. It is within this framework that we believe that the feedback can maximize the desired impact of collaborating on larger-scale European projects. These projects could have a broader impact and influence European policies on social inclusion, either through the initiation of new cooperation projects or through interventions in the network's seminars.
The collaboration with Piranha Arts within the Art en Contre project has led to the participation of two Consortium members, Samba Résille and Bajo el Mar, in the world's largest global music market, Womex, organized by Piranha Arts in A Coruña in October 2023. Three representatives from Samba Résille and two representatives from Bajo el Mar will create connections with music industry professionals, including artists, technicians, producers, and financial backers, providing opportunities for professional development and influencing the programming of music groups on Samba Résille's stage. This once again demonstrates the impact of the Art en Contre project on the associative project of Samba Résille.
European Carnival Platform: Celebrating and Promoting Cultural DiversityOn a European scale, our collaboration with Piranha Arts has expanded to include other Belgian partners to create a European Carnival Platform as a space for celebrating and promoting cultural diversities, representing a significant advancement. This initiative has the potential to reach an even broader European audience. Indeed, within the project, we discussed the carnival as a remarkable platform for multiple expressions and the celebration of cultural diversities within a region. Carnival serves as a space for transgression and power inversion, as well as an accelerator of critical thinking and protest, allowing traditional and disruptive artistic forms to coexist. The New European Bauhaus, a new cultural policy of the European Union, encourages cultural initiatives that create permanent or temporary third places to host citizen collectives collaborating with artists to address social issues such as coexistence, with the aim of providing a space for debates and conversations, even uncomfortable ones, to foster sustainable and inclusive creative innovations. Fully aligning with this thought compass, Piranha Arts and Samba Résille, organizers of their city's carnival, are partnering and initiating discussions, first with Brussels' Zinneke Parade, to carry out joint actions as part of a partnership project set to launch in 2024. Zinneke Parade is an open parade for all in a public space that everyone reclaims to enchant in their own way and with others.
Eager to redefine its intercultural positioning and develop cultural and artistic projects with the involvement of those concerned, Samba Résille has created a range of activities in Brussels with Mexican artist Israel Abresu on the theme of "Los Muertos." The first mobility, in the form of an observation internship, will take place in Brussels during the Los Muertos parade organized by Israel (from October 31 to November 6, 2023). Two learning and artistic creation mobilities will follow in Brussels with Israel on the theme of "Los Muertos," between February 11 and 25, 2024, involving two music schools from the Toulouse Metropolitan area as part of the Cultural Action in the Metropolis program.
PIRANHA ARTS - Berlin, Germany
Piranha Arts is an independent entity in the creative sector, founded in 1987 and based in Berlin. It engages in the production of internationally renowned festivals and trade fairs, such as WOMEX, Classical:NEXT, and the Berlin Carnival of Cultures, as well as music production through its label, Piranha Records.Its activities are aimed at promoting cultural diversity. In fact, Piranha's origins can be traced back to the anti-racist cultural activism of the 1980s, with a focus on African, Romani, and Jewish music, and a commitment to defending 'everything the Nazis hate.'Piranha Arts was a pioneer in the Berlin creative scene, hosting numerous avant-garde events known for their aesthetic diversity, eclectic and iconoclastic programming, and the emphasis on cultures from other parts of the world, including Heimatklänge, Bands United, C3 Club - Contemporary Classical, and Les Nuits du RamadanSince then, diversity has remained the cornerstone of both local and international strategies, aiming to:
- introduce emerging sounds and artists from around the world,
- address the ever-evolving challenges of the music industry in the digital age,
- and maintain a significant role in the global underground music scene.
Piranha Arts dans le projet L'Art En Contre
Piranha sought to involve in the project a team representative of Berlin's cultural and activist vitality while bringing its extensive experience in international cooperation.
PIRANHA ARTS
Samba Résille
SAMBA RÉSILLE - Toulouse, France
Samba Résille dans le projet L'Art En Contre
Samba Résille, founded in Toulouse in 1992, is a cultural organization born out of a desire to share a popular education project aimed at harnessing the potential of culture and cultural diversity for social integration, individual well-being, and social cohesion.The organization has developed expertise in the transmission and dissemination of Brazilian music to various audiences, including adults, youth, and people with disabilities.Located at 38 Rue Roquelaine in the city center of Toulouse, its facilities house a soundproof studio, a fourth-category concert hall, and other spaces for hosting exhibitions and promoting cultural and civic initiatives that align with the values defended by its association. Since 2013, the internationalization of its intercultural cooperation strategy has led Samba Résille to develop numerous projects in Europe, Africa, and South America. This experiential base has positioned Samba Résille as a European creative platform for mobility and international project engineering for cultural institutions and actors in the region.
As the project coordinator, Samba Résille brings the strengths of its association's project to the forefront, including the significant social and intergenerational diversity of its staff, both paid and volunteer, as well as a strong penchant for cultural and artistic experimentation. Samba Résille also contributes its extensive experience in project development and management gained through numerous international collaborations to the project.
SAMBARÉSILLE
"Vulnerabilities & "Bouleneréavilité" are Ignacio's productions with diverse collaborations, created as ongoing works that question individual fragilities both within the group and within oneself. These pieces explore vulnerabilities through small Playmobil figures, constrained by the situations and abysses set up by the artist. Between storytelling and reportage, Ignacio evokes his own vulnerabilities through narrative and the testimonies of others. As a circus artist and videographer, Ignacio manipulates images and sound much like a juggler dialogues with a ball and a puppeteer disassembles his marionette. The "seen" and the "spoken" are in tension with the "given to be seen" and the "supposed to be." Vulnerabilities always intersect and operate on the tightrope of a funambulist."
For project participantsDiscovery and Learning: Participants had the opportunity to discover and learn best practices in minority-driven art and inclusion. They explored new approaches, methodologies, and sensitivities related to cultural diversity, artistic and social mediation, and social inclusion through the arts.Change in Perspective: Participants were encouraged to challenge their own perspectives and broaden their understanding of vulnerability, artistic mediation, cultural diversity, and inclusion. They evolved towards a more flexible and open approach, promoting equality in the art world.Dialogue and Exchange: Sometimes uncomfortable conversations took place, but they contributed to open and inclusive dialogue. Participants were able to confront their views, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen mutual understanding.For all the paid and volunteer staff of the three partnering cultural organizationsKnowledge Enrichment: The staff of partner organizations benefited from the project's experience to enrich their knowledge of inclusion through art and social mediation. They gained new skills to work with vulnerable audiences.Change in Positioning: Partner organizations repositioned themselves to become more inclusive spaces, attentive to the demands of marginalized social groups. They began to adopt more innovative approaches and incorporated the project's teachings into their missions.Exploration of Alternative Forms: Organizations audited their traditional practices of artistic and social support, leading them to discover alternative forms and activist actors in their respective cities. This expanded their vision of art and mediation.
For the three partner organizationsSharing of Best Practices: Originally designed to share best inclusion practices, the project evolved into a shared and critical analysis of these practices. Organizations discovered new approaches led by local actors, which strengthened their thinking on inclusion. Introspection and Openness: Organizations engaged in introspection about their own practices and opened up to new sensitivities. They rethought their role in promoting cultural and social inclusion. Reflection on Legitimacy: Organizations had to reflect on their legitimacy in addressing issues of vulnerability and cultural diversity. They decided to focus on inclusion by and in the art of minorities as a guiding thread.
For the target audience (minorities and vulnerable public)Increased Opportunities: The project has contributed to creating increased opportunities for the target audience to access artistic and cultural events, as well as inclusive initiatives. Recognition and Visibility: Minority artists have gained recognition and visibility through the inclusive practices implemented. The vulnerable public has also been better considered in cultural activities. Awareness and Education: Educational programs have been developed to raise awareness among the public about cultural diversity, promoting a better understanding of inclusion-related issues.
Effects, changes, and impacts
The 'Art Against' project has left a positive and lasting impact, improving the skills, attitudes, and practices of all participants, partner organizations, and the target audience, thus promoting more equitable cultural inclusion and an increased appreciation of cultural diversity.Here are the main effects, changes, and impacts observed from various perspectives:
Activism of young and older generations.
Within the project, we observed dynamics between younger and older generations in the realms of activism and engagement for the artistic and social inclusion of minorities, revealing important systemic lessons. These systemic lessons underscore the significance of intergenerational dialogue, mutual understanding, and adaptation to societal changes. The differing perspectives between generations that may arise during uncomfortable conversations are not necessarily obstacles but opportunities to enrich the discussion and move towards a more inclusive society.
Generational Differences in Activist Approaches:Younger generations often adopt more radical and intersectional approaches to activism, placing a stronger emphasis on the inclusion of minorities and marginalized groups. This can lead to conflicts with older generations who may have adopted more traditional approaches. Terminology and Discourse:The terminology used by young activists, such as "decolonizing minds" or "wokeness," may appear foreign or confusing to older generations. This has led to misunderstandings and, at times, negative reactions, including anger. Decolonizing Minds:The expression "decolonizing minds" refers to the need to challenge and deconstruct mental structures inherited from colonization, which have often perpetuated biases, discrimination, and inequalities. This involves rethinking cultural, social, and political norms in light of indigenous and minority perspectives. Balancing Universalism, Secularism, and Positive Discrimination:Balancing these principles can be challenging, but it is not necessarily incompatible. It involves finding a middle ground between values such as equality, religious freedom, and the fight against discrimination. Debates on this issue are inevitable, and they can lead to constructive compromises.
Clashes Between Young Activists and Older Generations:Clashes between young activists and older generations can stem from differences in perspective, priorities, and methods. Younger generations may sometimes question past compromises and seek faster and more radical changes. Generational Positioning:Generational positioning can influence how individuals perceive social and political issues. Lived experiences, historical contexts, and values evolve over time, which can explain generational divergences. Gender Themes:Gender issues play a significant role in debates about inclusion. Discussions on gender equality and the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals have become central components of contemporary activism. Dominant Culture:The issue of dominant culture and equitable representation in media, art, and society is a key concern. Younger generations often highlight imbalances in media and artistic visibility. Secularism, Neutrality, Universalism, and Wokeness:Discussions about secularism, neutrality, universalism, and wokeness are complex and reflect broader ideological debates on diversity, social justice, and freedom of expression. Striking a balance between these principles can be challenging.
HAU - Hebbel am Ufer is a renowned cultural institution located in Berlin. Since 2012, under the direction of Annemie Vanackere and her team, HAU has become one of the most reputable and well-connected international production houses. It produces and presents co-productions and touring productions of renowned artists and groups from around the world, as well as projects from independent German and Berlin theater and dance scenes. The program includes music, visual arts, and theoretical debates, along with festivals and thematic focuses. HAU also features the Houseclub, which is particularly aimed at young people and fosters collaboration between artists and students. HAU to connect organizes various connections through artist talks, introductions of groups, and cooperation projects. HAU Hebbel am Ufer is known for hosting one of Europe's most renowned dance festivals, "Tanz im August," every year. One of the themes they addressed is the issue of gentrification in urban metropolises and how to maintain popular culture in neighborhoods undergoing significant urban transformations. Stella Konstantinou, the mediation manager, discussed their practices at the neighborhood level, especially in a neighborhood that has undergone significant architectural changes. Their approach is rooted in participatory arts and conversations with neighbors and residents to generate creative, educational, and unifying proposals. HAU considers itself and proclaims itself as a non-discriminatory, barrier-free, and ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable cultural institution. It operates through its three "houses" (HAU1, HAU2, and HAU3) and its digital platform, HAU4. These components artistically enrich the neighborhood and its residents with theater, dance, music, and visual arts. Their cultural program is inclusive, and they engage in local community conversations that result in creative activities tailored to the desires and motivations expressed by the community. HAU is the most prominent and important independent cultural institution in Berlin, further deepening its local roots.
HAU
HAU
The RAIZ / RACINES project, conceived by Samba Résille in collaboration with the Pierre Verger Foundation of Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, and co-financed by the French Institute and the city of Toulouse as part of the UNESCO Creative City label, combines an artistic creation program centered around candomblé beatmaking with an intercultural exchange program. The project aims to explore contemporary themes related to heritage and identities. Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion derived from West African rituals, has historically served as both a political space for the re-Africanization of Afro-descendants and a foundation where African and European cultures merged, giving rise to popular Brazilian music. This dialectic of preservation and openness maps out complex, ever-evolving identities, interwoven with resistance and relationships. The project seeks to examine these identities in light of the burning questions that contemporary societies face today. In relation to the Raiz project, the New Beat for Culture project aims to enhance the involvement of young people in shaping the cultural policy of the city of Toulouse within the UNESCO Creative City network.Young people will lead an association-level support system for a flagship cultural project in the city of Toulouse, Raiz, offering a range of artistic and intercultural activities before and during the project. These activities are connected to various themes, including anti-discrimination, eco-responsibility, shared education, and mental well-being. This experimentation will also involve structured dialogue with municipal authorities to ensure replication in other areas of the city.
The discussions primarily focused on the commitment to genuine and lasting inclusion, creating a truly welcoming environment for all, and the importance of welcoming individuals with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQI+ communities. The implementation of a range of activities and practices helps create this welcoming and inclusive environment and demonstrates cultural venues (or events) concretely welcoming and valuing diversity.
Inclusive Communication:Use inclusive communication in all promotional materials, including posters, brochures, and websites. Utilize images and language that represent various ethnicities and gender identities. Display symbols of inclusion, such as the LGBTQI+ rainbow flag or multicultural welcome signs, at the venue's entrance.Staff Training:Ensure that the staff is trained to welcome and treat all visitors respectfully, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds or gender identities. Staff should also be made aware of the specific issues faced by ethnic minorities and LGBTQI+ communities. Diverse Programming:Offer a program that reflects the diversity of cultures and LGBTQI+ experiences. Include artists and performances from these communities. Organize special events, such as exhibitions or themed evenings, that celebrate cultural diversity and LGBTQI+ identity.
Accessibility:Ensure that the venue is physically accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users and individuals with other specific needs. Provide inclusive restroom facilities that respect gender needs. If the venue offers online content, ensure that the website is accessible to people with disabilities and provides information and resources relevant to ethnic minorities and LGBTQI+ communities.Inclusion Policies:Clearly display inclusion and non-discrimination policies at the entrance of the venue and on the website. Be proactive in combating discrimination by having procedures in place to address complaints and concerns. Safe Spaces:Create safe spaces where members of ethnic minorities and LGBTQI+ individuals feel comfortable. This can include discussion areas, meeting spaces, or resource centers. Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local LGBTQI+ organizations and ethnic cultural groups to host joint events or community projects. Celebrating Awareness Months and Days:Take advantage of awareness months and days, such as Black History Month or LGBTQI+ Pride Month, to organize special events and further educate the public on these issues. Listening and Adaptation:Listen to feedback from your audience and consider their suggestions to continuously improve the visitor experience.
Lessons for paid and volunteer staff for the support of minorities in and through art.
Caisa, an institutional organization connected to the City of Helsinki, provided substantial material and human resources to the project:
- heir inclusive strategy for cultural goods and services in a country where immigration is a concern for Finns, along with their analysis of the matter.
- Expertise in collaborating with the city's social services and the complexity of working across culture and social sectors.
- High-level experience in competence management processes, learning outcomes, and experiences.
- Implementation of an inclusive cultural and educational policy that promotes participation and nurtures genuine talents from ethnic minorities.
- Numerous local and regional partnerships.
- A participatory governance model that includes citizens in decision-making alongside experts.
- An economic model that combines resource hybridization and absolute transparency processes.
Caisa
Caisa
Emerging from Samba Résille's numerous collaborations with South Africa and in connection with Toulouse's candidacy for the UNESCO Creative City label, a conference on welcoming diversity in our societies has been scheduled at the José Cabanis Media Library in Toulouse on October 21 and 22, 2023. The conference, titled "Beyond Apartheid: Mandela and the 1995 Rugby World Cup," organized by Samba Résille and the city of Toulouse, will host Marlene Le Roux, a South African cultural figure and activist, and Sophie Dulucq, a professor of contemporary history at the University of Toulouse - Jean Jaurès and the director of IFAS-Research (UMIFRE 25) from 2019 to 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. This conference aligns with Samba Résille's efforts to combine the results of research-action projects rooted in popular education with those from the research world across all domains that can enhance the knowledge and intercultural positioning of various audiences.
Lessons on Youth Engagement in Minority Inclusion in and Through Art
The exchanges within the project have revealed a series of lessons that highlight the importance of being open to new perspectives and the need to adapt our approaches to better address the challenges of cultural diversity. These lessons align with the importance that the EU places on engaging young people, as it develops initiatives to promote their active participation in social and cultural projects, following consultations as part of the EU's Youth Strategy and the Future of Europe.The engagement of younger generations in promoting the inclusion of minorities in and through art provides an opportunity to rethink our advocacy approaches, innovate in cultural creation, and promote a more inclusive society. The systemic lessons from this dynamic encourage us to value diversity, listen to emerging voices, and work together towards a culture of equality and inclusion.
Dynamics of Youth Engagement:Younger generations bring a surge of activism and creativity to the promotion of minority inclusion in the arts and social spheres. Their engagement is often driven by a deep desire for social justice and equality, motivating them to adopt innovative approaches to create positive change.New Approaches to Engagement:Youth activists embrace new and diverse approaches to promote inclusion. Using social media, organizing alternative artistic events, and creating online awareness campaigns are innovative means to engage a broad audience and stimulate reflection on cultural diversity.
Value of Alternative Forms of Activism:Alternative forms of activism, such as street art, artistic performances, and collaborative projects, bring added value to cultural venues. These approaches allow for a rethinking of how art and culture interact with society, creating more inclusive spaces that are open to diversity.Importance of "Decolonizing Minds":The term "decolonizing minds" underscores the need to challenge biases and stereotypes inherited from colonization, which have often hindered the inclusion of minorities. This process involves rethinking cultural norms and giving voice to indigenous and minority cultural perspectives. Balancing Universalism, Secularism, and Affirmative Action:Striking a balance between these principles can be complex but essential. Younger generations seek to promote equality while recognizing the specific needs of minorities. Debates on how to reconcile these values contribute to shaping more inclusive policies and practices. Inter-Generational Clashes and Dialogue:Clashes between young activists and older generations are inevitable due to differences in perspective and priorities. However, these clashes can be opportunities for constructive dialogue, leading to a better understanding of current issues and adaptive activist approaches. Key Themes:Issues related to gender, disability, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQI+ communities hold a central place in debates on artistic and social inclusion. Young activists highlight imbalances in cultural representation and challenge the dominant culture.
"Créolisation!"Meeting with Stéphane Robert (production) and Hmongoli Lybliamay (administration). Concert by Alima Amel (vocals) and Vincent Ferrand (cello). The CRICAO association aims to support artists who represent world cultures and those who work on intercultural and cross-cultural languages. Since 2013, CRICAO has been organizing intercultural cooking workshops. To do this, they travel to different countries to learn about the origins and evolution of recipes, which they then share with residents in the working-class neighborhoods of Toulouse. They presented a particularly interesting project on the inclusion of residents through the combination of traditional cooking and culinary design developed in a university curriculum. This project was funded by Creative Europe.
CRICAO
CRICAO
Link to the presentation >>>
First day in Helsinki and the first discovery of a place where this soft light settles on the buildings and the landscape.The island of Suomenlinna is a delight for the photographer in me. I learned about its history after some research on the internet. On the spot, I let myself be guided by our French guide, Clément, who introduced us to this place listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Even though I hadn't quite acclimated to the ambient temperature of 9 degrees Celsius, I absorbed the atmosphere of this island and admired its landscapes and perspectives.
The archipelago of Helsinki consists of nearly 330 islands, including Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an old maritime fortress built on 8 islands. It is accessible by boat, a 15-minute crossing that immerses you in a world where nature and heritage coexist in total harmony.This island has 300 established residents. Several small islands are accessible by bridges connecting them to each other, where you can discover their history, like the Finnish Navy submarine disarmed in 1944 and transformed into a museum ship. Today, it is one of the main sites visited off the coast of Helsinki, while until 1948, a written pass was required to access and enter. From its military past, the Finnish Navy's Naval Academy remains today.
Inclusion, mediation, intermediation, facilitation, youth activism, generational engagement design, cultural fusion, cultural appropriation, privileges, dominant culture, decolonization of minds, wokism, are all terms and concepts that play a central role in current debates on cultural diversity, equality, and social justice. Our discussions within the project were no exception, and we found that these concepts are constantly evolving, with their meanings varying depending on the cultural and social context. They fueled our debates on cultural diversity, equality, and justice during our formal meetings, informal discussions, and upon our return to our respective organizations. They invite continuous reflection on how society addresses these crucial issues. Here are definitions of these terms based on our exchanges.
Semantic Approach to Vocabulary
Inclusion:Inclusion is about ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or belonging to a minority, have equal access to opportunities, resources, and spaces. It aims to create a society where everyone is accepted, respected, and valued. Mediation:Cultural mediation is the process by which cultural actors, such as cultural mediators, facilitate the understanding and appreciation of different cultures by promoting dialogue between communities and helping overcome cultural barriers. Intermediation:Intermediation can be related to cultural mediation, but it focuses more on the role of intermediary actors who bridge the gap between artists, cultural institutions, and the public. This may include artist agents, cultural project managers, etc. Facilitation:Facilitation is the process by which a facilitator creates an environment conducive to communication and cooperation among the parties involved. In the context of art and culture, it can promote collaboration between artists, mediators, and the public.
Youth Activism:Youth activism refers to the political and social engagement of younger generations in advocating for causes such as inclusion, equal rights, social justice, and sustainability. Young activists often challenge established norms and push older generations to rethink their approaches. Conception of Engagement of Older Generations:Older generations have often adopted more traditional approaches to social and political engagement. Youth activism encourages them to reevaluate their methods and adapt to new societal realities. Cultural Fusion:Cultural fusion refers to the harmonious integration of cultural elements from different origins to create something new, often in the context of artistic creation. Cultural Appropriation:Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of a dominant culture borrow, often disrespectfully, from elements of a minority culture, ignoring or betraying their cultural meaning and context.Privilege:Privilege refers to the social, economic, and political advantages enjoyed by a group based on their identity, background, or position in society. Privileges can be unconscious and contribute to discrimination and injustice. Dominant Culture:The dominant culture is the culture that prevails within a given society, often associated with the demographic majority. It can exert significant influence on social and cultural norms. Decolonizing Minds:Decolonizing minds refers to questioning ideas, attitudes, and structures inherited from colonization, with the aim of recognizing and valuing indigenous and minority cultural perspectives. Wokeness: "Wokeness" is a term that denotes increased awareness of issues related to social justice, systemic racism, and inequalities. However, it can also be used pejoratively to criticize an excess of political correctness.