Today, the first 15 fellows of the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts (ASEA) announced. The Alliance is a new fellowship-programme for leaders of arts organisations striving to create greater social impact within their local communities and the European arts sector. In an era of rising inequalities, polarisation and climate and democratic crises, the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts fellowship The power of socially engaged art to promote resilience, justice and community-based solutions. The fellowship programme is made possible by 11 European philanthropic organisations, including the Amsterdam-based European Cultural Foundation.
Background
Across Europe, societies face interconnected challenges that often result in a decline in democratic dispositions. Partly in response, socially engaged art-practices are emerging as a powerful but often underappreciated force for social renewal.
Socially engaged arts are collaborative practices in which artists and communities jointly formulate cultural responses to pressing social challenges. These practices redefine culture as a tool for active citizenship - by strengthening participation, community ownership and democratic resilience. Whether it is citizen-led climate action, participatory theatre and culture-driven urban renewal, they demonstrate the power of art to bring about meaningful and sustainable change.
The Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts Fellowship supports leaders of organisations rooted in local communities in 14 European countries. It recognises them as advocates for change and calls on institutions, funders and policymakers to see socially engaged art as an example of resilience. Luís Jerónimo, chairman of the alliance, therefore calls on Europe to invest in art as a force for change: "These fellows are transforming art and culture from the bottom up. Deeply rooted in their communities, they show how socially engaged art can promote justice, strengthen connections and foster cultural democracy."
Dutch fellow
From the Netherlands, Jasmina Ibrahimovic, director of Rotterdam District Theatre and creative director of the International Community Arts Festival (ICAF) is among the selected fellows. "Rotterdam District Theatre creates community arts projects with, for and by people whose stories often go unheard. We question what it means to be a 'community' and explore systems of inclusion and exclusion through participatory theatre. For more than 30 years, we have worked in diverse neighbourhoods to discover urgent stories and talents and share them in community centres, theatres and institutional spaces. Our work is rooted in care, reciprocity and the belief that art is not just a product, but a way of being together." The ICAF grew into the world's largest festival and global platform for socially engaged, community-oriented art.
Fellowship
Within the fellowship start the selected fellows on an 18-month transformative journey specifically designed to increase the impact of their organisations, unlock their potential as champions of change and forge new transnational alliances. The programme includes residencies, tailored organisational development and leadership training, and offers grants of up to €60,000 to support core costs and the development of targeted actions within the organisations of the fellows.
