Why should we say “in” Ukraine rather than “on” Ukraine? What can the walls of a city tell us? How should we talk about the situation in Afghanistan or Belarus? What makes the language of protest effective? Can we find the right way to talk well despite our differences?
What links these different questions is language – language that is attentive, dynamic and responsive to the needs of a changing reality. It is through attentiveness to language that we are able to understand things that are difficult, different or new, and to include in the debate those groups that have long been ignored or marginalised.
During “Dialogopolis”, a month-long series of meetings, discussions, workshops and art events, we will look for answers to these questions by returning to the far from new issue of language and how we use it. We believe it has an extraordinary power to bring about change – most often for the better.
The programme includes a meeting with Agnieszka Graff on how to talk across the differences that divide us. In conversation with the artist Julia Krivich, we will find out what lies behind the phrase “in Ukraine” (“w Ukrainie”), while the artist Jana Shostak will invite you on a walk with “newcomers” (“nowaki”). Maja Zabokrzycka will talk about the art of conversation. With the Julianna Płaczysko collective we will explore socially engaged street art that turns hate speech into words of friendship. And with the Eudajmonia Foundation we will talk about how to communicate about disability. And that is just the beginning!
Take a look at the programme. All events are free of charge. However, as places are limited, advance registration is required. You will find an e-mail address next to each event. We also invite you to like the Passage of Dialogue (Przejście Dialogu) page on Facebook, where we will post regular updates about Dialogopolis events.
The event is organised by the Wrocław Centre for Social Development (WCRS). The Dialogopolis programme was developed in cooperation with Wrocław non-governmental organisations, social activists and people working in the arts.
Dialogopolis programme – a month of dialogue and intercultural education
