Topic of seminar an workshop: "empathetic exchange"

The focus of the course is on “Empathetic Exchange,” as an international closing event (a townhall meeting) for the EU project “SPACEX – Spatial Practices in Art and Architecture for Empathetic Exchange” (https://www.spacex-rise.org/) , in which the University of Applied Arts is a partner (Barbara Holub is the principal investigator), will take place at the AIL on October 24, 2025. The topic is more relevant than ever in our current political situation. That is why we want to use the event to explore how performative moments for “empathetic exchange” can be created in order to counteract the increasing helplessness and perceived powerlessness caused by the current major challenges, from climate change to spreading wars, through artistic strategies, thereby also strengthening ourselves.

In the workshop, we will address the question of what role art can play in current social issues relating to “Empathetic Exchange” and prepare for the international closing event of the EU project “SPACEX – Spatial Practices in Art and Architecture for Empathetic Exchange” (https://www.spacex-rise.org/) on October 24, 2025, 5:00–8:00 p.m., at the AIL (curated by Barbara Holub/partner of SPACEX). SPACEX poses the essential question of how right-wing populism can be countered through art.

Based on John Cage's “Untitled Performance,” we will realize the performative contributions together with the international curators and artists as an experimental choreography and supplement them with your contributions. In this way, we want to make empathic exchange directly experienceable. We will also produce materials for the setting for the event.

International participants in the SPACEX Town Hall Event and performances by:
Susanne Prinz (Kunstverein Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz, Berlin)
Vittorio Iervese (Università di Modena)
Mel Jordan (Coventry University) + Andrew Hewitt (University of Northampton)
Jitka Hlavackova (GHMP/ Prague City Gallery)
Aline Hernandez/ Marianna Takou (CASCO, Utrecht)

Moderation: Kathrin Wildner (urban ethnographer, metrozones, Berlin)

Experiences from the Townhall Event will be presented at the final SPACEX conference at the Coventry Biennial on November 13-14, 2025.

For information on the event, see: https://ail.angewandte.at/program/empathetic-exchange

SCHEDULE

1) Course dates: Wed, 10:00-12:30: There will be no classes on xxx.
First date: October 8, 2025
Attention: On Nov.12 and Dec. 10 there are no meetings.
Location: DKT 2/ VZA7 (tbc)

2) Workshop: >> SPACEX Townhall Event /AIL
(exact times and dates to be coordinated with students)
Oct. 10, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Preparation
Oct. 15, 12:00-14:30, AIL: Preparation
Oct. 23: SPACEX Townhall Event: Setting up
Oct. 24, 4:00–9:00 p.m.: SPACEX Townhall Event: Realization

Preparation and support in the realization of the performative moments for the town hall event; active participation in the seminar; semester presentation.

Credits:
Anrechenbar für Lehramt: Studienfach KKP
(Bachelor), 2 ECTS; Workshop, 1 ECTS

English speaking students are especially welcome to participate, since the language of the event will be english.

An exceptional opportunity to meet renowned international curators and artists and to try out performative moments together with them. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary; the concept is designed to be adaptable to the abilities and interests of the participants. Note that most of the international guests are curators and now changing their roles into conceiving an artistic intervention. The focis of the event is on trying out and working with chance (see John Cage).