<synthesis> MetaForum X: PermaCrises – Budapest, October 24-26, 2024

[Geert Lovink]

MetaForum X: PermaCrises – Budapest, October 24-26, 2024

Call for Participation

Embracing the legacy of the three MetaForum conferences (1994-96), MFX continues to highlight the urgent issues of the times with a reflection on contemporary crisis surfing. The theme of PermaCrises examines the persistent breakdown of our political, societal and cultural systems, capturing the extremity of this situation through its continuality and pervasiveness.

The unique political climate of East-Central Europe, situated in a semi-periphery, generates a perspective that often feels overlooked and stagnant. In the nineties, Hungary provided a useful lens with which to view emerging social, political and technical realities – almost in slow motion – as they came into being. In keeping with this, this event seeks dust of that lens with a view that underscores the regional context, fostering dialogues about the cultural dynamics of the immediate environment, influenced by and influencing global tendencies. While some speak of a ‘stack of crises’, others use terms such as polycrisis and metacrisis. Permacrisis emphasizes time: a neverending end. It questions how to confront crises such as the hot wars in Ukraine or Gaza, or the warm wars across the global south, the rise of right-wing populism worldwide, the impending environmental catastrophe, and the growing social disparities globally. None of these crises can be separated from the current ascent of technocracy or the exploitative nature of digital capitalism.

In October 1994, the inaugural MetaForum significantly impacted media art, activism and discourse within Hungary, across East-Central Europe and points further West. Organized by the Media Research Foundation in cooperation with the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest, it was conceived of and realized by Geert Lovink, Diana McCarty, and János Sugár. This series of three yearly conferences transformed the scope of media art events and gained a special notoriety. It sparked vital discussions and collaborations, blending media criticism, tactical media, and cultural exchanges between East and West.  As the 30th anniversary draws near, we are excited to announce MetaForum X, set for October 2024. This edition promises to tackle the critical issues of our era, focusing on the deep influence of digital technology on art, culture, and societal frameworks.

Over three days, MetaForum X will merge presentation formats and topics featuring younger voices that are engaged with current issues and reconnecting with original participants from the series with in-depth lectures, discussions and screenings. The urgent concerns of young people bridging generational knowledge and fostering ongoing dialogue for a sustainable and inclusive future.

Date and Program

24 October: Welcome and guided tour at T+U’s exhibition

25-26 October: Forum and conference days.

Evening programs include the live streaming of the UKRAiNATV web streaming network (together with students from the Intermedia dept. of the Fine Art Academy), the screening of Hungarian/CEE video art and DJ sets.

Venues

Trafo House of Contemporary Arts (Liliom u. 41)

Hungarian University of Fine Arts – Intermedia Department (Kmety György u. 27)

Editorial Team

Flóra Barkóczi, Geert Lovink, Áron Lődi, Diana McCarty, Zsolt Miklósvölgyi, János Sugár.

Confirmed Artists and Theorists from East-Central Europe

Tjaša Pogačar and Maks Valenčič (SI, ŠUM Journal), Petrică Mogoș and Laura Naum (RO, KAJET), Dušan Barok (SK/NO, Monoskop), Sanja Sekelj (HR, Institute of Art History in Zagreb), Vanda Sárai (ELTE), Cséfalvay András (SK), Ágnes Básthy (ELTE), Szilvi Német (ELTE), Juli Laczkó (HU/NL), Boldizsár Hordós (HU), the Red Forest collective and others.

We welcome participants of the former MetaForums (1994-96) and all others to join us in Budapest, hoping that MFX will turn into similarly lively dialogues as the previous events. One thing remained the same. Like Metaforum I-III, the X edition is a high-energy, low to no-budget event. If you want to participate in any form, let us know, for instance if you need an official invitation to cover travel and accommodation costs. More details on the program will be announced in September.

Contact

metaforumx at proton.me <mailto:metaforumx at proton.me>

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