Cultural relations platform published “Cultural Relations in the New Normal” on July 8th 2021, as part of their Alteration programme. The handbook features 17 cases studies broken down into process, results, lessons learned and next steps.
The overall theme is digital and hybrid project models and the place of cultural initiatives in the new normal of the pandemic.
Alteration programme is an online events series for cultural professionals. Cultural Professionals from Ukraine, Europe and international participated in the events Running April-July 2021. Alteration hosted two cross-sectoral conferences on “how international cultural relations should adapt to the new normal” and five sectoral online events. The events were on music, literature, visual and performing arts and civil society.
Here is our brief handbook overview:
Themes
- Digital and hybrid model development calls for flexibility in Cultural organisations, adopting the start ups’ approach of experimentation and trial and error.
- Enhance good practices sharing, especially for digital and hybrid projects.
- Ensure planning and budgeting before starting digital projects.
- Balance the on-screen time to allow for breaks.
- Participatory and community projects will further grow.
Recommendations
- Digital and hybrid models will be the norm calling for increased accessibility, inclusivity and professional skill-building.
- Instigate tailor-made collaboration programmes.
- Further develop participatory, community, inclusive, ecological and well-being projects.
- Share stories and experiences.
- Peer learning and exchange for digital project development and strategy.
Projects
Re-Connect Online Performance Festival
The Intercity Live Festival, an online festival to showcase emerging musicians
The Docudays UA International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival, online film festival
KulturCafé, a digital platform facilitating bilateral cultural relations
Every Day. Art. Solidarity.Resistance Exhibition. hybrid visual arts exhibition
Dance And Wellbeing Campaign, an online arts activity campaign
International Picture Book Festival, a hybrid book festival
Museum Without Walls, a digital visual arts exhibition
Digital Labs Project, an online laboratory focused on capacity building and connecting peers
Eastern European Music Academy, an online academy for music professionals
Taking the Stage 2.0, an online theatre residency programme
Artefact: Chornobyl x Madatac, a virtual media art exhibition at an international festival
Woven Network/ Women’s Network, an online visual arts residency
Online Culture Camp for Youth, an online youth camp
Hatathon: Hack the Culture, an online ideathon
Ukrainian Literature: Rights On!, an online B2B programme for publishers and literary agent
IETM Multi-location 2020, a hybrid sectoral meeting
Read the handbook detailed presentation on how each project came to be and their learning outcomes, as well as a list of more exciting projects to follow.
Furthermore, the publication offers valuable resources to help improve the evolution of digital or hybrid projects on:
- Tools to organise
- Digital hybrid projects
- Networks mapping
Our Take
Cultural Relations in the New Normal is a comprehensive resource with value beyond cultural professionals. Working or participating in events takes place principally online since the pandemic that format will seemingly continue with hybrid events in the future. Moreover, the projects serve as good-practice initiatives, but most important are fantastic activities to take part in.
Let us know which project was your favourite, and maybe we can join together!
I want to learn more:
Download our handbook: Cultural Relations in the New Normal (also attached)
Alteration programme
