How can art make a difference in a contemporary world dominated by complex and intense political, economic, environmental challenges and conflicts? What can happen if art and arts education become dominated by a socio-political rationale? 

The interdisciplinary research platform Arts in Context (KiK) at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Agder (UiA), in collaboration with Fluks - Centre for Young Art (UiA) and ArtEZ University of the Arts invite artists, art educators and researchers within – and across – the disciplines of music, theatre and visual arts to share their practices and research agendas in relation to these questions. 

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For three days we will investigate how we can maintain the integrity of art production, art education and research - while simultaneously act in globally responsible and ethical manners. Contributions from symposium participants will act as points of departures to shed light on the possibilities in art and art education engaging with contemporary urgencies and changes in comprehensions, attitudes and behaviours to such agendas. The symposium will also explore the potential pitfalls of instrumentalisation and hence marginalisation of the arts as meer tools that deliver on other social aims.

The symposium will challenge regular formats of conferences and symposia by using University campus surroundings and the city of Kristiansand as venues: parts of the symposium will take place in the forest within a short walking distance from UiA. Both the tribune and the hike offer opportunities for discussions and explorations related to people and surroundings. Hence dialogues will emerge and new understandings will be gained between humans and the environment.