On Culture and Democracy - Arts, Education and Youth in Challenging Times

Today, growing up is a challenge. The world situation is characterized by, among other things, climate challenges, increasing migration, recessions, wars, and economic conflicts. The right of children and young people to education, art and culture is under threat by a politics of austerity that value economic goals higher than culture's contribution. Considering this, children's and young people's access to artistic and cultural practice can be seen as an asset to protect equal conditions and the right to freedom of expression. Children and young people who are given the opportunity to become actors in art and cultural life are also provided the possibility to raise their voices through art and actions to promote democratic values.

The symposium takes a stand for the right of children and young people to meaningfully participate in society and have access to art, culture, cultural heritage, and education; rights that are enshrined in Swedish law through the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Through talks, workshops, screenings and seminars, artists, designers, musicians, educators, and researchers discuss the complex questions surrounding the conditions of children and young people by relating them to artistic practices. Aesthetic creation, as well as children's and young people's right to cultural heritage, the experience of cultures and cultural encounters, sensual and provocative art experiences, are necessary experiences that contribute to strengthening children's and young people's knowledge of their place in society.

The symposium is organized in collaboration with Public Life, Arts and Critical Engagement (PLACE) and Educational Research in the Arts (ERA), both belonging to the Artistic Faculty, and the network Barnkulturforskning i Göteborg (BiG) at the Faculty of Humanities.

Attending the symposium is free but requires registration.