The interdisciplinary art form known as ‘live art’ (formerly ‘performance art’) blurs the fields of fine art, dance, theatre, music and literature. With its growth on the African continent over the last decade – from collective actions of protest and dissent to works appearing in galleries and museums – African live art performances have created a significant impact internationally.
Lana now presents an opportunity for African artists, academics, audiences and the public to engage with this enigmatic art form, to develop a deeper understanding of it, and to generate new knowledge. Lana will also provide a platform for the consideration of the vulnerable infrastructures that generate these fragile, of-the-moment artworks. Going forward, the network is intended as a support structure for the development of live art on the continent.
This four-day international symposium will feature a gathering of 30 delegates from 12 African countries, which will bring together renowned artists and academics in a programme that blends academic presentations, performances and networking sessions.
ICA director and associate professor at the University of Cape Town, Jay Pather said: “Lana’s presentations and performances, to be presented by some of Africa’s top artists and writers, is open to all. The programme provides ways in which to access what many might consider enigmatic and at times bewildering.
“Writers and artists will unpack the work of a wide range of practitioners – artists who are often barometers for social and political ideas – as well as the contexts that have given rise to their innovative, interdisciplinary practices.
“Lana acts as an impetus to undo the conventional ways in which we as the public operate, to demystify the codes of live art, and to develop lenses through which to better understand the metaphors and themes that live artists draw upon.
“Critical to Lana is an active response to the enduring personal and political issues of our time through open discussion and exchange of ideas. The event will grapple with burning questions surrounding the creative arts for practitioners and the public to probe together – its existence, its contributors, its impact and its future. We invite all audiences to join the ICA and the Lana delegates in what promises to be a stimulating experience to kickstart 2018.”
When: Saturday, 17 February to Tuesday, 20 February 2018
Where: University of Cape Town, Hiddingh Campus
Entrance: Symposium and performances are free of charge
The symposium and performances are open to all and are free of charge. The networking sessions are by invitation only. Media are invited to experience all symposiums and performances.
Interviews with ICA and Lana delegates are available.
