Art as a force for societal change
Art can help address societal challenges – in collaboration with a wide range of other disciplines and sectors in the social sphere, the natural environment and, more generally, in other areas that are not the exclusive preserve of the arts.
Art can make us ask questions, provide us with new answers, foster dialogue and bring us together. Many artists and art institutions today take on a special responsibility when, in collaboration with other disciplines and sectors, they help to address some of the societal challenges we face. We support this. We have a particular focus on the role of art in nature and in deprived neighbourhoods.
Dina Vester Feilberg
Director of arts
Art in deprived neighbourhoods
Some of Denmark’s social housing estates experience clear and well-documented challenges: lower levels of well-being, poorer employment prospects and weaker participation in democracy and community life. This particularly affects children and young people in terms of their opportunities for education and employment.
We aim to help reverse negative trends in disadvantaged neighbourhoods by using art as a driving force for development. We work both locally within the neighbourhoods and at a structural level to transform frameworks, narratives and forms of collaboration.
Foto: Tobias Nicolai
A new perspective on nature
Almost half of the Danish population today considers farmland to be ‘good nature’. This reflects our view of nature – where nature has historically served as a resource – for food, construction and production – rather than as a habitat for species.
We must understand what wild nature is if we are to maintain the ecosystems on which all life, including our own, depends. We must re-establish a connection with nature if we are to tackle the biodiversity crisis. Art, among other things, can help with this. Art and culture have, over time, helped shape our understanding of the landscape. They must do so again – just in new ways.
Foto: Tobias Nicolai
Do you need more information?
If you want to know more, you are welcome to contact Dina Vester Feilberg or Beate Bernhoft.
