Co-creation involves the exercise and – if it is done well – the redistribution and sharing of power. As such it inevitably raises ethical challenges for those who practice it. For example, funders may attempt to censor public art or performances; artists may be charged with cultural appropriation; depictions of certain histories or cultural identities may be deemed offensive. Good intentions are not enough: indeed, they can be part of the problem. What matters is clear sight and good principles. Dealing with ethical problems is the daily practice of co-creation itself, central to the joy of the work. This session will open some of the complexities involved and equip participants with conceptual tools to approach ethics in their own work. We’ll pick an ethical challenge to practice on, so if you’ve faced an ethical challenge in your own work, feel free to bring it to the session.
Arlene Goldbard & François Matarasso | Workshop | United States & United Kingdom