How free is the cultural sector today to create, speak, and act?

In a time when political interference is becoming more visible—think of inspections, parliamentary questions, and increased scrutiny due to positions on Israel and Palestine—fundamental questions take center stage:

• How much control should politics have over cultural organizations?

• Can art be subversive and address societal issues?

• What are the pros and cons of politically appointed boards?

• Can cultural organizations take political positions, and where do we draw the line?

• How do we protect the autonomy of artists and staff connected to cultural institutions?

• Why does the cultural sector exert such power that political parties feel the need to intervene?

Together with a panel of field experts, GKO Café will explore these stimulating questions in an Octavian discussion (inner and outer circle) where diverse perspectives come together.

Speakers

Franky Devos (VIERNULVIER), Chokri Ben Chikha (Action Zoo Humain), Ann Overbergh (Kunstenpunt), Agnes De Maeseneir (Victoria Deluxe), Ludo De Brabander (Vrede vzw), Sara Oklobdzija (artist/researcher, e.g., Apartheid-Free Zone)

Practical information

📍 Location: Palestine Café Ghent (VIERNULVIER, Gent Zuid shopping center)
📅 Date: 17/12/2024
🕖 Time: Starts at 8:00 PM, ends at 10:00 PM
🎨 Live Illustration: An artist will visually summarize the evening.
💬 Language: Dutch and English
💡 Admission: Free, no registration required

GKO Café is a monthly, accessible gathering where they discuss themes from the broad cultural sector. They share knowledge, gather input, listen to needs, and inspire one another.