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The world of art, both institutionalized and community-driven, is the scene of many experiments and more or less successful attempts to open up – both physically and symbolically. Many argue that contemporary art is elitist and demands cultural and social capital from its viewers and creators, which many people lack for reasons beyond their control. The self-critical turn that artists, curators, cultural workers, museums, and galleries are undergoing is manifested in a desire for authentic inclusion – that is, the inclusion of the widest possible range of opinions, life experiences, and perspectives in the process of art-making and its presentation and mediation. Where do these efforts stand in the Czech language space in 2024, and what can the different initiatives learn or unlearn from each other? As part of the third edition of the Biennale Matter of Art, a public discussion seminar will be held for the general and professional public, which aims to introduce some of these initiatives and, through the format of a lively discussion, critically situate them in the broader European context.

The aim of the meeting is to present the different ways in which educators, artists, curators, cultural organizers, and others are approaching the engagement of creators and audiences who, for a variety of reasons, have difficulty accessing culture – and how artists and institutions can work to change this.

The discussion will take place in a “world café” format, meaning several smaller discussion groups of 8–10 chairs organized around one table. The discussion at a particular table is always thematically led by a selected guest, but the audience is actively involved in the discussion. Admission to the event is free of charge.