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Description
The Fences Removal project is a participative art intervention in the public space. The focus of the project is the social exclusion and isolation of specific social groups in the city of Varnsdorf and an overall low rate of communication between the city residents in the public space. The goal of the project is to motivate social togetherness, equality and solidarity in the population through activation of the local actors in a long-term social-experimental artwork, which will result in art artefacts in public space.
The location will be visited by the world-renowned artist and social architect, Kateřina Šedá. After the observation of the landscape, research, in-depth analysis of the problems, relationships and roles of the particular actors, detection of the suitable participants, and configuration of structures, Šedá will specify a strategy, content and concrete design of a unique participative social play, which will take place in the city in several months period and the residents will be the participants.
Content of the art creation will be the process of connecting the locals, among which there is either a lack of connections or the connection is filled with negative stereotypes, experiences and aversions. During the collective work on the artwork, the authors will accentuate and capture the issue of social roles, shared life experiences, and the articulation of the communication, social, cultural and space barriers of the participants.
This whole process will be a part of the artwork, which will be presented to the public through artefacts and online, the local participants will take part in the artwork. The specific concept will be a result of the long-term preparation phase because the goal of the project is to create a participative artwork fitted to the specific location and the configuration of the relationships in the community. Simultaneously, the creation of the concept is a part of the artwork and will be included in the public presentation.
Summary of project results
The project was a participatory art intervention in Varnsdorf, addressing social isolation and low communication levels among residents. The challenge was overcoming mistrust between social groups and ingrained stereotypes. The artist, Kateřina Šedá, proposed a socially-engaged artwork that connected local stakeholders and fostered dialogue. The collaboration resulted in public art pieces embodying the process and contributing to social cohesion in the town
The project carried out activities to connect the Varnsdorf community and create a participatory artwork addressing social isolation. They organized public meetings where participants shared perspectives and contributed to an artwork celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ELITE factory. During the celebrations, alongside main art pieces The Last Shift and The Bank of Memories, excursions, lectures, and tours showcased artifacts in public spaces and online. We documented key project moments in a case study and implemented publicity through media outreach, social media, and press conferences. These activities connected social groups, fostered communication, and strengthened town cohesion.
The main outcome of the project was the creation of a participatory artwork involving over 700 local residents. The artwork celebrated the 100th anniversary of the ELITE factory and helped connect the community through memories and public events attended by more than 6,900 people. Project successfully strengthened social cohesion and helped overcome social isolation. Online presentation attracted over 1,400 visitors, and a case study was produced, offering inspiration for other communities.