Mekong Cultural Hub

From the local craft collectives preserving heritage to contemporary groups pushing artistic boundaries, grassroots cultural organisations are the pulse of Southeast & South Asia, filling our communities with colours, sounds and the spirit of life. But what fuels these organisations? Where do they come from and where are they heading? And what is needed for them to not just survive, but thrive?

Led by the Conference curator, Prim Phloeun, a team of five Asian practitioners dubbed ‘The Cool Cats’ examined these questions. They attempt to illuminate the forces driving the vibrancy of local arts and culture, in spite of an environment that provides countless struggles for them. 

Through months of investigation and contemplation, The Cool Cats have woven an intricate portrayal of the regional landscape – one filled with obstacles, remodelling, and pessimism, but also resourcefulness, growth and hope. The result is not a tidy conclusion, but a vibrant tapestry reflecting the complexity of realities these grassroots organisations face.

Now, The Cool Cats invite you to join them in continuing this ever-evolving artwork. Listen as they share overview findings from their exercise and collective experience. Then help shape the weaving by contributing your perspectives in a 90-minute online and/or in-person session. We hope to come together to gain insights, exchange ideas and continue to shape the vibrant arts and culture landscape in Asia.

Speakers

Resilience is the ability to keep going despite challenging circumstances, and to bounce back after challenges and set backs. It is an essential skill for artists in Asia, who face ongoing challenges including lack of resources, isolation, lack of public support for their work, and having limits placed upon their creativity and expression.

For this session, MCH is delighted to welcome representatives from three different organisations doing practical work to improve conditions and opportunities for practitioners working at the intersection of arts and society: Manu from Artists at Risk Connection, Deepthy from Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Right Asia and Pacific, and Yohann from On the Move. Moderated by MCH’s Program Manager for Networks & Alliances, Zun Ei Phyu, the group will start by setting up a framework of what we mean by resilience as it applies to artists and cultural workers in Asia before moving into a discussion which will explore:

• The strengths and the gaps we see in the Asia region from the perspective of resilience among independent arts practitioners
• Perspectives on the importance of networks in building resilience
• Lessons to be learned from other sectors
• Feminist approaches to resilience

Before opening the floor to the audience for further insights, question and discussion, the three panelists will each give an overview of the opportunities and resources available from their organisations related to resilience for people in the arts.

Speakers

Art practitioners are often caught in an endless cycle of servicing their stakeholders. Running after time, resources and opportunities to execute projects or simply survive sometimes comes at the cost of their own wellbeing. Some lose track of their purpose and vision altogether.

Since June 2023, with prompting and support from conference Curator, Kathy Rowland, a small group of Southeast Asian artists and producers have unpacked how their sense of mission intersects with their methods of practice, within the context of the regional ecosystem. Is it possible to break the cycle? Can we make changes so that our sense of mission remains undiminished without running ourselves into the ground?

Speakers

For practitioners in Southeast Asia, travel, networking and peer exchange are invaluable mechanisms for personal and professional development. Arts residencies offer all of these and more. Today, arts residencies serve not only as spaces for providing time and physical space but also as platforms for fostering connections and opportunities. With the support of a local host, residents can immerse themselves in the local culture and art community, forging future connections. With the right amount of time and active engagement, they can significantly influence residents’ future work and perspectives. In this session, Iris Hung,  president of Taiwan Art Space Alliance, invites insights from practitioners running residencies in the Philippines and Indonesia, focusing on themes of connectivity, sustainability, and hospitality. They will share lessons and advice for practitioners based on their experience and offer perspectives for the future.

Speakers