Panel Discussion: Desire and Vision – Art, Philanthropy, and Decolonial Futures

Freedom

Decolonization in the 20th century created new entanglements between artistic and political freedom – weaving cultural patronage and policy with transnational visions of sovereignty, humanism, and universalism. The panel explores how European philanthropic support for arts and culture in the Global South has contributed to such complex relationships.

The panel includes multidisciplinary artist and 2023 Seed winner, Chathuri Nissansala; cultural producer and Cycle 1 Building Beyond Fellow, Russel Hlongwane; professor of politics and Middle Eastern studies, Hanan Toukan; and art historian Simone Wille.

Using the Prince Claus Fund as an example, the panel will discuss the institutional structures of support and the visions that shape the philanthropic desire to support the arts in times of political change and transition. The panelists will explore how the various actors involved see and experience these collaborations, taking into account the historical backgrounds and insights that are important for contemporary exchanges between North and South.