Twentieth-century decolonisation created new entanglements between artistic and political freedom — intertwining cultural patronage and policy with transnational visions of sovereignty, humanism, and universalism. The panel examines how European philanthropic support for arts and culture in the Global South participated in such complex entanglements.

The event will feature multidisciplinary artist and 2023 Seed Awardee, Chathuri Nissansala; cultural producer and Cycle 1 Building Beyond Fellow, Russel Hlongwane; Professor of Politics and Middle East Studies, Hanan Toukan; and art historian Simone Wille.

Taking the Prince Claus Fund as a case in point, the discussion examines the institutional structures of support and the visions that shape philanthropic desires to support the arts in times of political ruptures and transitions. The panellists will explore how the different actors involved in these networks perceive and experience these collaborations, considering the historical lineages and reckonings that must inform North-South exchanges today.

Schedule

14:00
Doors open

14:10
Introduction and presentations by Chathuri Nissansala, Russel Hlongwane, Hanan Toukan and Simone Wille

15:00
Conversation between the participants, moderated by Sanjukta Sunderason & Laura Alexander

15:30
Q&A

16:00
End