The forum is organized by artasfoundation in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK).

artasfoundation is an independent Swiss foundation for art in the context of peacebuilding, based in Zurich. Established in 2011 and financed by private contributions, they initiate their own art projects, accompany their realisation and investigate how art can support conflict mediation and peacebuilding. www.artasfoundation.ch

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is Switzerland’s international cooperation agency within the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). In operating with other federal offices concerned, SDC is responsible for the overall coordination of development activities and cooperation with Eastern Europe, as well as for the humanitarian aid delivered by the Swiss Confederation. www.eda.admin.ch/sdc

Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) is a vibrant centre for teaching, research, and production excellence. The university offers a broad range of degree programmes and further education courses in education, design, film, art & media, dance, theatre, and music. Committed to bridging higher education, professional practice, and the interests of the wider public, ZHdK showcases the work and achievements of staff and students in their own exhibition spaces, theatres, and various dance and concert halls. Hosting over 600 events each year, they make a significant contribution to cultural life in the city and region of Zurich. www.zhdk.ch

Behind the scenes

Dagmar Reichert, born in Vienna, studied Sports, Geography and Philosophy in Vienna and Toronto (Mag.phil., MA, phD, PD), research fellowships in Stockholm and Cambridge, visiting professor at University of Bologna, University of Salzburg and ETH Zürich, full professor at University Kassel (resigned early in 2006). Now she teaches cultural theory at the Zürich University of the Arts and is the executive director of the Swiss foundation artasfoundation.
She is author of several books (Critique is not enough (2003), Wissenschaft als Erfahrungswissen (2000), Räumliches Denken (1996), Limits of Representation (1994), Umwelt zur Sprache bringen (1993), Ortssuche (1993) and has organized cultural events and exhibitions (HD Centre, Geneva (2013, 2015), Tskaltubo Art Festival (2013, 2014), Ausstellungsraum Klingental, Basel (2012), Les Complices, Zürich (2010), Airolo (2007,2009), Shedhalle Zürich (2003); Fondazione Pistoletto, Biella (2002); Haus am Lützowplatz, Berlin (2001)). Dagmar Reichert lives and works in Zürich.

Marcel Bleuler is a project manager at artasfoundation. He studied art history and fine arts in Zurich and wrote his PhD on performance art and documentary practices. Marcel was a fellow at the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts at Harvard University and a lecturer at the Universities of Bern and Zurich. He currently holds a position at the Zurich University of the Arts, and is preparing his postdoc-project on participatory art projects in regions of conflict, which starts in late 2015. With a fellowship from the Swiss National Science Foundation he will study several projects in the South-Caucasus and develop an art theoretical framework to discuss their strategies and implications. Marcel is affiliated as a guest researcher with the “Kooperationsschwerpunkt Wissenschaft&Kunst” of the University of Salzburg/Mozarteum.

Programme Officer at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Alice Thomann heads its Team Culture and Development since 2010. In this position, she is responsible for SDC policy in the field of culture and development, as well as for managing SDC culture programme in Switzerland. She further serves as focal point for culture & development within SDC, providing support for SDC art and culture programmes abroad, and facilitating knowledge and experience sharing among staff members. With her team, she set up and facilitates SDC Community of Practice Culture Matters. She has an academic background in translation and development studies. After a few years dedicated to communication and journalism, she joined SDC in 2005. Past assignment brought her to the Andes, where she worked in the field of social entrepreneurship, CSR and innovation for rural development.

David Keller, Head of International Affairs, Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK)

Barbara Aebischer is part of the team Culture and Development at SDC. She has many years of experience in the support of the SDC Community of Practice Culture Matters and is responsible for all kinds of administrative questions.

Mirjam Walser studied Art History and Political Science in Zurich, Paris and Geneva with specialisation on contemporary art and international relations. Major research focused on the relation between art, resistance and creative protest. During her studies she gained relevant experience in the field of art markets and creative business. Now  she is part of the team Culture and Development at SDC as an Academic Intern.

Emina Hadziabdic artasfoundation, Mercator Fellow 2013, currently completing a training as Junior Programme Officer at SDC.