Event series: (Re)Imagining freedom of expression in postdigital societies1. Memory & Identity
- 7th April 2025
- 6:30 PM
- Festsaal + online, Diplomatische Akademie Wien
The event series (Re)imagining freedom of expression in postdigital societies brings together academics, artists, cultural actors and activists to discuss the right to freedom of expression in the context of digitalisation.
The first event in the series, ‘Memory & Identity’, explores the relationship between freedom of expression and cancel culture by discussing how these terms are used to instigate culture wars and suppress dissent in the context of political struggles over public memory, identities and belonging.
The event series (Re)imagining freedom of expression in postdigital societies brings together academics, artists, cultural workers and activists to discuss the right to freedom of expression in the context of digitalisation. At a historical moment in which private actors such as large technology companies have become key players in the reshaping of public space and discourse, it is important to reflect together on the values, goals and limits of freedom of expression. Which intellectual tools, which technical and legal infrastructures best serve the needs of democratic societies?
The following events are planned:
- Memory & Identity (7 April)
- Youth Cultures (2 June)
- AI & and Creativity (tba)
Moderation
Klara Koštal (Head of Department Diversity of Cultural Expressions, Austrian Commission for UNESCO)
Discussion with
Dessy Gavrilova (Cultural Entrepreneur and Consultant, Curator, Playwright) &
Giulia Pelillo (Head of Research Area Cultural Studies, Vienna School of International Studies)
Dessy Gavrilova will look at freedom of expression in the context of the current political developments both in the USA and in Europe. How does the dramatic political change that we witness today in the USA and the new regime’s utilization of the topic redefine the battle ground for freedom of expression? Does the frontier of the battle for freedom of speech need to be reframed today, and if so - how?
Giulia Pelillo will explore the historical and cultural roots of both the term cancel culture and the digital practice of cancelling. Against this background, she will look at the politics of cancelling to discuss how freedom of expression can be safeguarded to promote social cohesion rather than polarising societies.
>>> Registration here: https://www.da-vienna.ac.at/en/Events <<<
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