Symposium in Three Acts

Taking place during the opening weekend of the “Superorganism” event, the symposium explores the creature and myth of the superorganism and its various interpretations. It questions the implications of applying the biological term “superorganism” to societal structures, examining its significance for present life and future development. The symposium also considers which elements of the superorganism benefit the collective and which foster individual expression.

In addition to its thematic exploration, the symposium showcases the diverse methodologies and formats of the “Magic Carpets” platform through a mosaic of interactive workshops, performances, discussions, and soundscapes designed to engage the audience. Curated by seven curators from the “Magic Carpets” platform organizations, the event is conceived as a play in three acts. The narrative unfolds from the myth and reality of the superorganism in the context of art, society, and “Magic Carpets”, to considering the hidden identities of both humans and non-humans, and humanity in times of crisis, and finally, to the potential of cultural agency to imagine and build new, better worlds.

Speakers: Lewis Biggs, Luca Bitchikashvili, Carmen Brucic, Yulia Kostereva, Karmen Krasić Kožul, Yuriy Kruchak,Vita Malahova, Toni Mijač, Vaim Sarv, Mia Tamme, Virginija Vitkienė, Ben Wheeler.

Team of symposium curators: Jacob Bray (UK), Diane Dever (UK, mentor of the symposium team), Raluca Doroftei (Romania), Marija Kamber (Croatia), Linda Krumina (Latvia), Danijela Oberhofer Tonković (Austria), Ann Mirjam Vaikla (Estonia).