The conference Art / Politics by Neuer Berliner Kunstverein (n.b.k.) explores the diverse questions and strategies that determine the relationship between art and politics. It examines concrete examples of the politicization of artistic practice as well as the general possibilities of political art. The presentation of artistic approaches as well as theoretical and curatorial positions is intended to provide a comprehensive picture of political practice in the art field.

In the light of political and social crises, expectations of art are growing: it is expected to react to grievances and ask itself whether and how it can be politically effective. Already in the course of the 20th century avant-gardes, numerous artistic approaches evolved that considered art from a political standpoint. Whether the attempt was made to dissolve the separation between art and life or to critically examine the institution, the change of prevailing conditions was always at the forefront. The central question to what extent art can not only address the crises of its time, but also influence their resolution, remains relevant to this day.

Postcolonial, feminist and queer approaches play a particularly important role in the current debate. Equally on the agenda are the critical questioning of the increasing economization of the art market, Eurocentric perspectives and globalization. At the same time, the question arises to what extent art can position itself independently of the economic and social processes and structures that it criticizes. How can art create political spheres of action? How can socio-political problems not only be depicted, but how can an active part be played in dealing with them? How can artistic practice represent and create a counter-consciousness? How does it succeed in establishing new patterns of thought and viewing habits?

At the conference Art / Politics, artists, theorists and curators of different generations will present their particular practices and then discuss them together. This provides an insight into current artistic political approaches and a space for negotiating fundamental questions of the connection between art and politics.

A documentation of the conference is available on DVD at n.b.k.