arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)
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[Oorlog is geen kunst] Interview with Eva DeGroote by protesta Wednesday, Mar. 12, 2003 at 11:19 AM |
| protesta@wol.be |
On 13th March, the Vooruit, in gent, organise a big cultural event against the war against Irak. Here's an interview with one of the organisators, Eva DeGroote.
- How come this idea to organise a specific event against the war ?
We had been discussing for a while our position (as an art centre) in the city and in society in general. If you are busy with art, should you be concerned with social and political issues? With this war threatening to happen, the whole artistic crew shouted: yes! So just a couple of weeks ago we decided to put on an anti-warhappening. We started calling artists we had worked with earlier. The response was massive, in a couple of days, press, artists in all branches, writers, photographers, and so on, were on our phones, wanting to be part of it. We decided to make it a bigger happening and include all spaces in Vooruit.
- What are for you the main reasons to be against this war ?
There is not one sensible reason to promote this war. It's pure powerdisplay of the US, their only concern is economical, there is no justification for this war. Many lives will be lost for an unjust cause. The US are abusing 9/11 for their warstrategies.
- What are the main reasons for US Government to be for this war ?
OIL and powerdisplay.
- What do you think of the fact that the Belgian government allows the US army to use Belgian infrastructure like ports and airports?
It's dubious. Our prime minister has a whole explanation that maltreating these transportagreements would be a sign that the US can maltreat other UNagreements aswell. Still it seems, that a stronger anti-warpoint could be made if the transports were not allowed.
- Why do you think that artists have a role to play in the political debate ? Wich specific role they can play ?
Artists can play a big role in making people conscious of things. There lies there biggest possible role.
- How was reactions of the artists when you ask them to play for this event ?
The reaction was overwhelming. We had not made an official announcement, the only thing we did was contact some artists. In just a few days numerous artists had heard about it and contacted us with concrete proposals. We can't offer everyone a place but all names of artists with proposals will be announced at our site.
- How the vooruit can organise a so big event totally free ?
All the artists are perfoming for a hot meal and a transportamount. all the staff of vooruit is working extra hours. the production cost will be beared by Vooruit.