Power, Pay, Performance

13 April 2024
2:00 pm
University of the Arts (HKB), Fellerstrasse 11, 3027 Bern, Switzerland

The theme for this year’s IKT symposium, Power, Pay, Performance, addresses a highly topical issue relevant to the cultural field: that of power structures, pay hierarchies, and performance measures. From both sociocultural and artistic viewpoints, there are many aspects of the subject that warrant analysis and discussion among professionals in the field. Inevitably, these involve groups of people in the art world who until recently have been marginalized, discriminated against, or treated unjustly. Reflecting the backgrounds, experiences, and interests of the artists and curators who have been invited to speak, the themes addressed in the short presentations or podium discussions include:

The representations of narratives or visions that have been sidelined, ignored or discriminated against
Working collectively, to form new working practices in the visual art world
Challenges of implementing changes in institutions
Cultural politics: how to address the public differently and more inclusively
Introducing other narratives in art schools, supporting women artists and scholars, changing the paradigm
Recognition of artist labour, incl. fees for artists
Activism as an integral part of artistic practice; socioeconomic diversity in the artworld

The insights will be drawn not only from Switzerland but also from an international perspective. Although the subject matter has emotional implications, the intention is that the tenor of the symposium will not only be critical, but that positive examples of change will be discussed.

Symposium Outline

Welcome/introducing speakers/thanks: