Performance Besides Itself: A Symposium Examining Contemporary Liveness in Art Institutions

This two-day symposium, held on December 6-7, 2024, examined the dynamic relationship between performance art and its institutional contexts. It brought together theorists, curators, artists, and experts to discuss how performance transforms art institutions and vice versa.

The symposium 'Performance Besides Itself. Infra- and Parastructures of a Contemporary Liveness' took place on December 6-7, 2024, delving into the intricate connections between performance art and the frameworks that enable its presentation. It highlighted how performance, inherently tied to physical presence and specific contexts, draws attention to the material and social infrastructures of its venues. The event critically examined the extent to which institutions shape performance and how performative practices might, in turn, reshape institutional working methods and infrastructures over time. Adopting a praxis-oriented approach, the symposium convened theorists, curators, artists, and experts in production and artistic advocacy. It featured panel discussions, artist-led workshops, and presentations, encouraging interdisciplinary exchange by linking experiences from both visual arts and dance contexts. The discussions addressed themes such as rethinking politics of care, de-skilling and re-skilling within institutions, materialities in production, and practices of archiving and participation, challenging linear and hierarchical models in favor of decentralized strategies. The event was part of the H13 Lower Austria Prize for Performance 2024 and included Katharina Ernst's winning project 'metrics'.

Participation in the symposium is free for all and does not require prior registration. Individual formats can be attended separately. Small refreshments will be provided.