Korrespondenzen I: Art – Environmental Justice – Sustainability

Under the title Korrespondenzen, current socio-political topics are dealt with - varying every two years - and located in practical implementation and artistic-theoretical situations. The Korrespondenzen react to worldwide political events and conditions and are thus situated in the focal points of the center. In particular, the potential of the urban space of Graz is taken up and made visible. The final result of the Korrespondenzen can take on various forms and be presented in the form of a discussion evening, a performance or a participatory art project, in the sense of Relational Aesthetics.

The Center of Contemporary Art is concerned, both with the Dialoge and the Korrespondenzen, to consider artistic perceptions and comments on current phenomena as a genuine contribution to the study of our culture.

Korrespondenzen I: Art – Environmental Justice – Sustainability

The first Korrespondenzen focus on political responsibility and action regarding the environment and the concept of sustainability. There are discussions around political responsibility, ecology, environmental justice, Anthropocene, climate change, resources, and sustainability. The event series explicitly refers to the long-standing project Naturally Hypernatural which, since its inception in 2014 organizes regular international symposia in successful cooperation between the Department of Art History of the University of Graz and the School for Visual Arts, New York. These symposia deal with different concepts of nature in modern and contemporary art and culture. The Center of Contemporary Art also works in collaboration with the Strange Tools Research Lab and the University of Cincinnati.

In this regard, internationally renowned artists, researchers as well as theorists will be invited to the Korrespondenzen I: Art – "Environmental Justice" – Sustainability to contribute towards the discourse, answer any questions and find practical solutions together with Styrian scientists, academics and artists. The Korrespondenzen I aim to give space to the vital exchange between artists, theorists and academics so that different viewpoints and perspectives on currently central topics are shown, reflected upon and dealt with in an interdisciplinary manner regarding scientific cooperation and correspondence. The Korrespondenzen I deal with environmental justice and sustainable action – subjects that are of great importance for the general public, but especially in Styria; the "green heart of Austria." As climate change and environmental justice affect us all, it is necessary to consider the consequences and potentials of human action, show political responsibility, make environmental justice an issue and involve the public, the Styrians – in a topic-specific reflection across countries, disciplines, and cultures.

The diverse program was developed in collaboration with the Kunsthaus Graz and the HALLE FÜR KUNST Steiermark and the event series is open to and has explicitly been developed for the public.

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