When nationalism comes to power, what happens to those who refuse to join in? ...to those artists and cultural operators who don’t want their minds to be trapped inside populism or any other mental prison? They might be fired, forced out of their institutions; deprived of funds, regarded as traitors, as “enemies of the nation”. This is happening at this very moment in Hungary, a democratic country, an EU member state: a war fought by nationalists and even antisemites against everything experimental, progressive, thought provoking, engaging and criticising… Where does it all lead? To a complete shut-down of the contemporary art scene? A silencing of artists ? A disappearance of yet another space for public debate? How can we respond to populism? What is to be done against intolerance and the constant pressure of mediocrity? What is our role and responsibility in this situation? Our colleagues from Hungary will share their experiences and concerns, reminding us that what happens in Hungary now could happen elsewhere soon… (and indeed , such nationalism is growing in other EU countries.)

Speakers :
György Szabó (Trafó House of Contemporary Arts - Budapest, HU)
Zoltan Imely (MU Theatre - Budapest, HU)

Moderator:
Ann Olaerts (Ministry of Education Flemish Governement - Brussels, BE)