International Conference "radious of art"

Art for Social Transformation
by Patricia Kistenmacher
Berlin 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1OX2P7mYwU&list=PL1B2FCA8FA25C196C&index=4&feature=plpp_video

“Art is a right”, has been heard here and there. Is this statement connected to what we have been doing at this Conference for two days? What’s the meaning of more than 200 people from different parts of the world, discussing Art, at Berlin, the heart of the worst Western financial crisis - in case this is such a crisis? We feel we’ve gone throught this already in Latin America.

It is also said that 100 people are the tipping-point to generate changes. Is that 100 among us?

The Conference organizers invited me as an Observer to the Art for Social Transformation Forum. Was I the right person to invite? Who knows? But, after saying WOW, Berlin!, on second thoughts, I wondered about my personal responsibility regarding this invitation.

Quite often, we mention one of Einstein’s sayings about thinking differently to solve new problems. But, we actually don’t do so that often. Consequently, I asked myself how I could try to think differently this time, trying to contribute to the enlightment of the new problems we are facing everyday. Although I have my favourite saying, one by Russell, Why repeating the same mistake, when there are so many new ones to make?

Based on these two ideas, think different, make new mistakes, I decided to focus our attention on three issues.

1. the call
2. the answer
3. the participation

Sometimes, this unbearable feeling of already knowing what we shall achieve if we keep on doing what we are used to, overwhelms me. What and where is the innovation in this field? Let’s think about this together.

1. The call

The initial Conference aim was to strengthen and expand existing structures and networks, initiate long-term partnerships between German and international organisations and launch shared learning processes.

Challenging invitation!

Nevertheless, the aim is something most of us have already heard and tried to do in other Conferences, in different contexts, during the past years. So, why still another invitation? May it be because we all know there’s still something to be done in this direction? May it be because the complexity of all the issues doesn’t allow us to solve them in just one meeting? Or is it perhaps, because the political will of decision-makers doesn’t understand or doesn’t believe in the power of art and culture to transform and develop our communities? Or, last but not least, is it just because it is the easiest way for donors to show their committment?

Indeed, there’s a bit of all what’s been mentioned above, and other reasons we could all find out, describe, measure and share. Anyway, every day we realize the complexity of the reasons exceeds our understanding and tolerance. But, what’s the quantum transforming power of meeting here and there, in nice cities, nice venues, while most human beings are not even respected or considered as such?

We all know that Social Transformation is a wide concept, with a wide range of definitions, according to each context. It includes a degree of consciousness that varies according to the initial level the group has. So, I shall only focus on sharing some points of view that have certainly been discussed before, but still haven’t become real, assuming my limitations on developing this topic.

Sharing, connecting, exchanging, is basic to learn and to understand others. When talking about these social transformation experiences, we know that several strings of ourselves, (body, mind, heart, soul, feelings, intuition, spirit) sound collectively in unison, supporting the transformation. Funnily enough, when we meet, we limit this bonding capacity by using just one connector, a language, which happens to be English untill we learn Mandarin. How about designing a meeting where we connect among ourselves through artistic languages like painting, theatre, dance, instead?

We know that “world-wide best practices” are always invited to tell stories that move us. But very few times these meetings have been held in the heart of these communities where consciousness has evolved. Shouldn’t it be high time to go beyong our limits to meet where the transformation is actually taking place?

Let me share with you a process where I’ve been and I am involved in Latin America.

The Latin American Network for Social Transformation (LA Net), formed by 24 organizations from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Peru was founded in 2005. Now it has grown to over 80 organizations and has expanded to Uruguay, Colombia and Central America. The LA Net basically fosters new forms of collectivity and grassroots participation in social life on a continental dimension, promoting artistic and pedagogical exchanges among members and organizing visibility events such as public meetings, conferences, seminars and festivals.

At the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, the LA Net met with Bridge Platform, another Latin American Network spreading “Points of Culture”, an official governmental program conceived in 2003 by Gilberto Gil, the Brazilian Ministry of Culture. Both nets, supported by the Brazilian Government, are working on a Regional Public Policy of Community Points of Culture.

The Mercosur Parliament has recently passed a law to regionalize “Points of Culture”. This will give a strong impulse to cultural projects for social development in the region, since it establishes that 0,1% of local budgets must be allocated to them.
Apart from what is already happening in Brazil, this same public policy has been adopted by the city of Medellin, in Colombia. There are also public policy projects presented to the Parliaments in Argentina, Perú and Costa Rica. In all the other LA countries, the organizations are developing dialogue platforms hand in hand with governmental authorities and research centres. The latter, generating and communicating valid and reliable data revealing the impact of these cultural practices, something constantly demanded by governments and donors. Consequently, many organization of the LA region share common political and knowledge-building objectives, triggered by the LA N and its partners.

2. The Answer

We are a good number of people, coming from different places, backgrounds, beliefs. We are somehow connected to art and culture. We may all speak English. We may have been invited because someone heard about our experience, or someone holds a key position.

A real privilege. Why me, on earth? And a huge responsibility as well. Why me, on earth?

You can bet it’s absolutely gorgeous for me to come from the South of Latin America to the cultural heart of Germany. Should I think about those who stand no chance of having been invited?

There’s no way we could change this, so far, unless each one of us gets ready to fulfill the role throughout the meeting. To do so, I thought I should challenge my certainties, my beliefs, my perspectives. I thought I should empty myself in order to be able to listen to others, rather than concentrate on my own speech, my presentation, my PP. This is nicely said. But, but, but... Can I make it? How come? Indeed, as an Observer, it’s easier to practise listening to others. Is it not?

Anyway, accepting my responsibility, revisiting my conclusions over and over again, is the best contribution I believe I can offer right now by myself. However, I´m positive that if we thought about a way out together, we could certainly be more creative, more effective and more efficent.

3. The Participation

Have you noticed that we have transformed this venue in a XXI Century Bank? This room, while empty, was worth some money. But there’s not enough money to pay for the richness it has with our knowledge being offered and shared throughout these days.

Is it so? Have we transformed this venue into a lively treasure? I´m sure you you agree. But, mind you! If the financial world admits this, if politicians accept it, we may be soon paying taxes! And donors would have to double or triple their investments to match the richness generated here thanks to their initial bet. And yet, our taxes are daily paid during our work with the communities. They don’t have to wait for the money collected by governments to be reinvested in them. The investment and its transforming ourcome, happens everyday.

Being a new kind of XXI Century Bank is not that easy to accept. Nowadyas, it’s easy to admit that Internet is important and valuable, mainly because of the knowledge that moves through the ciberspace. Accepting that these days, we have built a real Internet Hub where experiences, knowledge, exchanges, human beings, territories are tangible, is not so simple, but it is unvaluable!

Although we know there are hidden agendas interweaving under what’s obvious, the power of the gathering goes beyond them. I wonder if we can take home this power, this collective effort and construction. Could I manage to make them all visible at home? Could I keep up the contacts so as to ask for a helping hand, once back home, contacting you all any time you could help our own local process? I am my community, my organization, my net. And each of its members deserves to receive the richness I’m witnessing, the wealth generated through sharing. This is my committment. To give back some of the privileges I’ve been exposed to during these days.

If every single member present at this Conference could take back home the spirit, the strength, the amount of knowledge generated during these days, then, each community would become itself a new Hub, concentring the same richness and power that we have in Berlin, spreading it, in turn and time, towards each region as a rolling snowball, to others, and others and others...until we meet again ..... in the South.

International Conference "radious of art"

Coming to Berlin, invited as an observer at the "Art for Social Transformation" Forum that will take place on February 8 and 9 at the Heinrich Böll Foundation. Delighted to have the challenge to make a South American contribution to this international debate. Curious to meet people from different places, to learm from their experiences.

More, soon..............

Santiago Carrera Fotografía y el desarrollo profesional

Crecer profesionalmente, tanto en el mundo artístico como en cualquier otro, requiere una dosis de reflexión, de audacia, de acompañamiento. Haber elegido la Metodología LSP, permitió visualizar los espacios por donde este fotógrafo puede seguir desarrollándose, manteniendo el equilibrio entre lo profesional y lo personal. Entender las relaciones entre los distintos aspectos, construir los caminos que llevan a la transformación de la realidad. Apasionante experiencia de autoconocimiento y comprensión del entorno.

Diseñando un Consejo de Administración

Crear vale la pena es una organización social que renueva sus autoridades. Para la consolidación de su nuevo Consejo de Administración, decidió utilizar la Metodología LEGO® Serious Play®.

Los miembros del Consejo trabajaron sobre las responsabilidades que cada uno asumía y sobre la relación entre ellos, a fin de dar un mejor servicio a la organización.

El modelo generado servirá de punto de partida para evaluar y hacer los ajustes necesarios cada 6 meses.

aprendiendo con LEGO

Atentos a los aprendizajes realizados por actores del mundo campesino. Escuchando sus propias conclusiones a partir del uso de la Metodología LSP. Verificando el potencial de una herramienta desconocida para ellos.

¿quiénes tienen el verdadero conocimiento para resolver las situaciones?

Gracias por la enseñanza.



El nivel de conciencia sobre los problemas actuales y la visión de los más jóvenes, nos pone en situación de atención, nos dispone a aprender de aquellos que supuestamente están aún en formación.

2012

Para o ano de 2012, foram anunciadas transformações .........................

Espero que possamos ser socialmente responsável para ajudar com um mundo mais PACIFICO, JUSTO, cheio de RESPEITO pelos outros.



A estrela de Natal ilumina nosso caminho.

2012

Pour l'an 2012, on annonce assez des transformations.........................

j'espère qu'on pourra être socialment responsable pour contribuer avec un monde plus PACIFIQUE, plus ÉQUITABLE, plein de RESPECT pour les autres.



Que l'étoile de Nöelle éclaire notre chemin.

2012

2012 is meant to bring along deep transformations

let's assume our social responsibility to make our world a more PEACEFUL, RESPECTFUL and EQUITABLE one.



May the Christmas star lighten our path and our efforts.

2012

Se anuncia un 2012 de transformaciones................


que sepamos asumir nuestra responsabilidad social para transformar nuestro

mundo hacia la PAZ, el RESPETO, la EQUIDAD.


Que la LUZ navideña nos ilumine el camino para lograrlo.


un cálido abrazo,
Patricia

con campesinos en Sincelejo, Colombia

La maravilla del trabajo realizado desde la experiencia y el aporte de cada persona presente. El poder del trabajo autónomo, consolidado desde la participación individual y comprometida. La capacidad para diseñar caminos para hagan realidad los sueños.

Los ladrillos LEGO fueron una herramienta precisa para acompañar el despliegue de la visión transformadora de los miembros de 7 comunidades de los Montes de María. Permitieron construir un plan de acción local y regional, que los posiciona como interlocutores clave a la hora de implementar la Ley Nacional de Reparación de Víctimas de Colombia.

Ya vienen las fotos que mostrarán el nivel de detalle y la complejidad de los planes trazados.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE_qFd_8LiM

II Encuentro de Juventud y Arte Comunitario en Medellín

Belleza, juventud, vitalidad, incidencia en políticas públicas.

Una combinación genial para transformar un territorio, una ciudad, una región.

En Latinoamérica, son cada vez más las comunidades en las que se trabaja desde el Arte Vivo Comunitario para lograr su desarrollo integral. Este II Encuentro es prueba de ello.

La invitación a sumarse está hecha. ¿quiénes se anotan?



También es un espacio donde el trabajo metodológico merece una reflexión profunda y una mejora continua. Formar jóvenes artistas comunitarios para optimizar debates, reflexiones y organizar planes de acción. Un desafío, una obligación.

http://www.cajaludica.org/actualidad/galeriaweb_jacel2011/index.html

reflexiones patas para arriba

Se cierra una era, comienza otra. Caen ideologías. Cambian paradigmas.

Una serie de frases energéticamente correctas nos inundan desde el ciberespacio, las radios, facebook.

¿No dan ganas de sacudirse un poco? ¿ser algo menos positivo y animarse a mirar de frente la adversidad, la locura, el dolor, como parte de la misma vida?

Laboralmente, todo tan parejo, previsible.

Hay algo que ahoga un poco............ tan bien intencionado todo.


Y a vos, ¿qué te pasa?

Me encantaría oirte

Hacia Colombia: arte + LSP

Un nuevo desafío metodológico: acompañar el II Encuentro Latinoamericano de Juventud y Arte Comunitario, que se va a desarrollar en Medellín entre el 23 y el 26 de noviembre, con organizaciones de la Red Latinoamericana de Arte y Transformación Social. Un buen trabajo previo, virtual hasta ahora y presencial, a partir del lunes 14, a fin de lograr un encuentro estimulante, transformador, organizado.

A continuación, una bella aventura en los Montes de María, aplicando la Metodología LSP con 50 campesinos de esas comunidades, que están regresando luego de años de violencia. Ellos quieren incidir en la Ley de Víctimas, recientemente sancionada por el Gobierno colombiano, con el objeto de convertirse en actores de la reconstrucción y reparación de sus vidas, comunidades, territorios.

Stone-Soup Consulting

It's great to be part of this Consulting Team. Building bridges with other cultures and other ways of addressing our common world, is always challenging. Working with Social Organizations gives us a deeper understanding of what the real needs of our society are.

Puertas al Arte: un modelo compartido

Un compromiso con la continuidad del trabajo, un sueño que se concreta cada día y en casa persona que pasa por Puertas.

Puertas al Arte piensa estratégicamente

A fin de encarar los desafíos que trae el 2012, en cuanto a expansión y crecimiento, el Equipo Coordinador de Puertas al Arte, decide realizar un taller estratégico, aplicando la Metodología LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®.

¿Cómo será el trabajo? Ya tendremos respuestas......

Conferencia Centro Metropolitano de Diseño 2011

El futuro en nuestras manos

Suavemente, desde un principio casi frío y desconfiado, los 30 participantes fueron descubriendo la metodología y asombrándose de sus propias producciones.
¿Cómo fueron cambiando ante el desarrollo del trabajo? ¿Cuáles fueron los principales aprendizajes que querrían compartir?

Aprovecho para pedir disculpas a quienes quedaron fuera del taller. Inviten, y hacemos otro.
¡Muchas gracias!

Danish Chamber in Sao Paulo: Metodología LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® na Câmara De Comércio Dinamarquês-Brasileira

There were 30 businessmen building and sharing their models among themselves.
I wonder if you think it was just fun. How did you find the Methodology?
You are invited to share your impressions.
Thanks.

Conferencia Centro Metropolitano de Diseño 2011: Metodología LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® - Herramienta estratégica

En el marco de la Conferencia del Festival de Diseño del CMD, daré un taller de
la Metodología LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® el sábado 29 de octubre, de 18:00 a 19:30. Será un ejercicio para descubrir el potencial del juego serio en el desarrollo de escenarios futuros.

¡Ojo! Hace falta inscribirse: Conferencia CMD

Metodología LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® na Câmara De Comércio Dinamarquês-Brasileira

Quinta-feira 20 de outubro apresentaré a Metodología LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® na Câmara De Comércio Dinamarquês-Brasileira.
 
Sejam bem-vindos!